Critical Studies
Critical Studies is an academic program and a requirement for a degree that is developed each year to respond to the most current intellectual climates within contemporary art, design and architecture. With an awareness that form is also content, the program presents lectures, debates, discussions, films and seminars. Critical Studies program engages students in dialogue, writing, presentation, and conversation about some of the most significant issues facing artists today. Without a formulaic curriculum, the program invites all types of thinkers - artists, designers, philosophers, activists, historians, scientists and writers - to present models and ideas as a way to link one’s studio practice with larger and more diverse communities, national and international.

Cranbrook Academy of Art [SPRING] Edition Lecture Series
In its inaugural year, the Academy’s Edition Lecture Series presents a program that reflects the current variety of contemporary thought and creative practice through the eyes of artist, critics and scholars.
All lectures begin at 6:00 pm in Cranbrook Institute of Science Auditorium and are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Parking is available in the structure to the west of the entrance.
Tuesday, January 19
Dana Schutz
Painter
“An Evening with Dana Schutz”
Sponsored by the Painting Department
Tuesday, January 26
Stuart Candy
Futurist at the Hawaii Research Center for Futures Studies and Research Fellow at the Long Now Foundation
“Fragments of Future Worlds: The Art and Design of Experiential Scenarios”
Sponsored by the Humanities Program
Tuesday, February 2
Charlie White
Associate Professor and Director, MFA Program, Roski School of Fine Arts, University of Southern California
“The Discomfort of Looking”
Sponsored by the Photography Department
Sunday, February 7
3:00 pm
Ezra Shales
Assistant Professor of Art History, Alfred University
“Craft's Social Life”
Sponsored by the Ceramics Department
Sunday, February 14
3:00 pm
Industrial Facility
London-based design office of Designer Sam Hecht and Architect Kim Colin
“Product as Landscape”
Sponsored by the 3D Design Department
Thursday, March 11
Shannon Stratton
Director and Chief Curator of Threewalls, Chicago
“Gestures of Resistance”
Sponsored by the Fiber Department
Tuesday, April 6
David Buckland
Artist and Director of Cape Farewell
“Burning Ice: Art and Climate Change”
Sponsored by Cranbrook Art Museum and Cranbrook Institute of Science as a part of "Artology: The Fusion of Art and Science at Cranbrook"Thursday, April 22
Mickalene Thomas
Painter
“An Evening with Mickalene Thomas”
Sponsored by the Painting Department