The Company of Ideas Forum

Held annually at the sculpture park

The Company of Ideas was established by Jeffrey Rubinoff in 2008 to discuss major issues relating to art and society. Of Rubinoff’s many concerns, the most fundamental related to morality and conscience. Rubinoff believed that a ‘mature individual conscience’ was not only the basis for original art but also for sustained social engagement. He was convinced that serious artists were obliged to address the biggest issues of their time, which in his view were the ‘existential threats’ of nuclear weapons and human genetic engineering. In doing so, they could influence their audience’s thinking and contribute to historical change.

Publication Series on Art as a Source of Knowledge

Publications completed on a four year cycle

Every approximately four years, the JRSP aims to complete major book manuscripts on the subject of art as a source of knowledge. These will be edited by our Educational Programme Director Dr James Fox, and will be independently researched by established scholars. Art & Knowledge will be the first in this series of major academic books. The subsequent titles and formats are still to be determined, but all will likely address the three core values or concepts that Rubinoff considers so central to art: conscience; the sacred; and awe. The publications series starting with Art & Knowledge, will likely continue with Art & Conscience, Art & the Sacred, and Art & Awe.

Rubinoff Awards Programme

Awarded Annually and Biennially

Each year the Jeffrey Rubinoff Sculpture Park will choose a Rubinoff Postdoctoral Awardee for their outstanding research in the field of Art as a Source of Knowledge. In addition there are annual and biennial awards in for artists making works inspired by the collection, an Arts Educator Support Fund and Guest Curatorships.

International Conference

To conincide with major book publications

International conferences are currently under consideration to mark the publication of each of the major books. The conference would feature papers by most of the contributors to the book, but would also be open to delegates from around the world. The purpose of the event would be to ensure that the books have field-defining impact.

Rubinoff Lecture Series

Bienially or other schedule suitable to host institution

Considered in our future plans is a Rubinoff lecture series in partnership with a major art institution that sets the activities of the JRSP in the broader context of art history. The Rubinoff Lecture will be delivered by a distinguished international name who will be chosen in consultation with the host institution. The lecture would be advertised widely and would be open to the public.