Art History: Painting the People: The Practice and Politics of Social Realism in Art

This five week series of seminars will explore the emergence, spread and meaning of social realism in art.

With its roots in genre painting and journalism, the emphasis on grass roots experiences and its political edge, situate it between documentary and propaganda, exposing the dignity as well as the difficulties of lives overlooked by this sphere of culture. 

This is a seminar-style course which combines information sharing, group discussion and debate and the close study of individual works and related historical sources and academic writings. It is led by a small team of experienced tutors: Miriam Gill, David Antill and Ellie Pridgeon.

This five week course will run on Wednesday afternoons, 1-3pm, starting on Wednesday 7 May and ending on 4 June 2025.

Participants must be aged 18+. No prior knowledge of art history or study experience is required.

Please ensure that you agree to our updated Terms & Conditions before booking as courses/workshops are non-refundable in some circumstances.

We aim to make all our sessions as accessible as possible and carers/PAs are very welcome – just remember to book their free place when you book your session. If you'd like to talk to us in advance of booking or attending your sessions to discuss your access needs, our Box Office team is here to help! Email arts-centre@le.ac.uk, pop in or call 0116 252 2455, open 7 days a week.

We have four blue badge parking spaces outside Attenborough Arts Centre, plus double yellow line roadside parking very close to the building for blue badge holders for up to three hours if our parking spaces are occupied.

Free parking for all customers is available after 5pm on weekdays and all day at weekends in the University of Leicester car park next door to Attenborough Arts Centre on Lancaster Road. The closest public car park for parking at all other times is Victoria Park, 5-10 minutes walk from us.