Program Structure

In the first year, the course consists of 10 classes (four year-long seminars, one writing seminar, and one elective) providing an intensive learning environment through which to acquire the essential practical and theoretical skills for curating. Students are expected to participate in group research projects and individual class presentations, as well as regular writing assignments. Professional placements are also encouraged to enhance specific practical skills.

In the second year, the emphasis is placed on self-directed learning. With fewer core classes, the knowledge and skills that students gain over the first year is put to the test when the class collaboratively curates and produces an exhibition and accompanying catalog. During their second year, students also conduct independent research for a thesis.

Sample Course Descriptions

Curatorial Models. Throughout the first year this two-part course will look at the structures and strategies behind different curatorial models, focusing on the history of exhibition-making and the development of ideas in each genre examined. Using case studies, the models of practice will include: the public museum or gallery; the biennial; interdisciplinary institutions; artist-led initiatives and institutional critique; art in the public realm; collections and the auction house; expanded museology; virtual curating and digital technologies; film and video; performance.

Exhibition Practice. This offers practical information and advice in exhibition making, programming, project management and commissioning. Taught by a range of professionals over the first year, topics will include the following. Temporary exhibitions (budgets and fundraising; audience education; art handling, registration and condition reports; loans, transport and insurance; exhibition design; installation). Extended dialogues (education, interpretation, commissioning for exhibitions and developing residencies). Working with collections (acquisitions, archiving and cataloguing). The art market (dealers and collectors). Exhibition publishing and print production. Permanent siting (public art management).

Professional Development. Continued over the two-year program, professional development provides a framework for creating a deeper and more personal understanding of the processes of curating. Students will develop diverse strategies to extend their knowledge and expertise. These will include regular attendance of exhibitions; visits to related social and cultural institutions; independent research into artist's processes and practice; short-term work placements; group projects; the development of international networks and dialogues; discussions with arts professionals and research into cultural resources. Information gathered during the course will be shared between students through the Curatorial Practice archive.

Course Requirements

• First Year (30 units)
• Art History, Theory, and Criticism
• Curatorial Models
• Exhibition Practice
• Professional Development
• Writing for Curators
• Elective

• Second Year (30 units)
• Curatorial Critique
• Exhibition Project
• Professional Development
• Thesis
• Elective

Current Courses

See the Course Schedule for current courses and their descriptions.