We will spend the next two modules looking at how humanscommunicate. The ways are so many and varied, both conscious and unconscious,that it is helpful if we break these down into two discussions. In this firstdiscussion we will look at the fine and performing arts as vehicles throughwhich people can communicate complex ideas. The arts communicate directly,without the limitations of language, and often strive to make an emotionalimpact on an audience.

In this discussion you are asked to consider art as a vehicle that raisesawareness by communicating concerns and needs of others in communities andgroups around the world by exploring the life and work of the Chinese artist AiWeiwei. He is world famous and has paid an enormous personal price for givingvoice to the social justice issues that people in China face. The arts can be apowerful tool to convey these concerns and raise awareness across communitiesand around the world.

For this discussion you are asked to conduct research intothe work and treatment of Chinese artist, Ai Weiwei and read the article on The Dancing Wheels Company from Cleveland, Ohio andconsider how their work helps to raise cultural awareness of issues facingothers, offering new perspectives on the way we view social justice anddisability.

Your initial post will contain a link to the information you found about Ai Weiweiand answer the following questions:

What issues and concerns has the work of The Dancing Wheels and Ai Weiwei brought to the public consciousness?

Why might art be more preferable than speech in raising awareness of these issues?

What might be the effects of raising awareness (positive and/or negative) and why?

How has publicity impacted The Dancing Wheels Company and Ai Weiwei's ability to communicate their message? What are the positive and negative aspects of publicity in communicating in this form?