About The What Is_? Programme

The What Is_? Programme aims to provide an introduction to some of the key concepts and themes in modern and contemporary art for a general audience. The programme comprises talks, booklets and web-based resources.

The programme is presented in three phases:

• Series 1: 1970–NOW  Modern and Contemporary Art, Conceptual Art, New Media Art, Participatory and Relational Art, Installation Art, Public Art, Performance Art
• Series 2: 1900–1970  Surrealism
• Series 3: Materials & Methodologies  Photography, Drawing, Sculpture
• Series 4: Theory (in collaboration with MA, Art in the Contempoary World, NCAD)

Drawing on the expertise and experience of lecturers, artists, curators and critical writers, each topic is addressed by a talk (which you can download from the ‘Talks’ section) and supported by a summary, the presenter's essay, a suggested reading list, glossary of terms and a resources list.

These resources are also available in a series of booklets which you can download here.