Proposal of a theoretical system for an impacting and effective artistic practice: Case study on the housing problem for migrants in the central area of Santiago de Chile (2015-2019)

Abstract

In recent years, the emerging manifestation of artistic exercises that seek to have an impact on social problems and their cultural systems has been observed. However, there is no theoretical basis to support and guide these practices. At the international level, the need has been announced, but not fully addressed. Based on a case study on the problem of housing for migrants in the central area of ​​Santiago de Chile, carried out between 2015 and 2019, an art theory and practice is proposed that focuses on people rather than on the generation of objects and the representation. A multi-method qualitative investigation of an exploratory nature and a complex methodology was designed to obtain a survey of data on migrant housing and living, and inputs for the articulation of demands, at first, and an evaluation of the achievement of incidence that allows the proposed theoretical system, in a second stage. It is concluded that artistic practice increases the possibilities of public incidence to the extent that it distances itself from the object-centric theory and advances towards the generation of significant content that constitutes a contribution to the demands and needs of migrants regarding their living. Revisiting the theoretical bases of art and its practice becomes imperative in the face of the continuous problems that emerge today in society.

Art theory

Artistic practice

Social impact of art

Migration

Housing