Critiques of ongoing work are an integral part the InterArts academic experience. Students approach it with feelings of both dread and excitement. Some students are more comfortable as presenters than others, but everyone looks forward to having their work seen by peers and colleagues, while having control of the context of its presentation. Critiques occur at many points during the semester, both in the context of class times as well as in the course of working in the studios and labs. These smaller interactions and feedback opportunities culminate into the formal critique process known as “Critique Week,” which is really only three days of nonstop sessions. Each student takes a half-hour slot to present work and engage in Q+A, and all sessions are open to the department’s students, staff, faculty, as well as to the general public.

Students signed up to present during a time block reserved in order of their status in the program (first or second-year). This provides a common context for the progress of students in each block. First-year students present work that demonstrates lots of experimentation with media, whereas second-year students often show more focused use of media in service to their primary ideas and investigations. This year’s critique sessions were chaired by rotating moderators to help time the presentations and direct the traffic for speakers during the audience Q+A.

Although the critique process itself is quite formal and serious, the atmosphere is relaxed enough to allow for some snacking, stretch breaks, and conversation in between the presentations.