Course General Description

In New York City, one of the world's great art centers, the art industry earns yearly revenues approaching a billion dollars. Art of every variety is exhibited and sold here, in countless museums, galleries, and auction houses. Curators and conservators make up only a small part of an art institution's staff; up to 85 percent of employees are the trained professionals responsible for critical functions ranging from communications and marketing to visitor services. Responding to industry needs, the Art History and Museum Professions program prepares students for non-curatorial positions in such areas as collections management, development, information technology, public relations, rights and reproductions, and special events. There's no substitute for FIT's location, in New York's Chelsea neighborhood, just blocks from a vibrant gallery scene and a short subway or bus ride from some of the most important art institutions in the world. With a faculty of practicing professionals, you will get an inside perspective on the art world, networking with experts in all aspects of art management. In your senior seminar, which is coordinated with an exhibition at a local museum, you will study the process of putting together a museum exhibition from concept to presentation, meeting staff in such areas as press, merchandising, insurance, art handling, and more. This interdisciplinary program draws on FIT's strengths in art history, business, technology, and design. You'll graduate prepared for an entry-level position or advanced education in the field.

School General Description

One of New York City’s premier public institutions, FIT is an internationally recognized college for design, fashion, art, communications, and business. We’re known for our rigorous, unique, and adaptable academic programming, experiential learning opportunities, academic and industry partnerships, and commitment to research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. While our pedagogical mission is to prepare our students for professional excellence in design and business, our broader ethos is to foster creativity, inspire leadership, impart a global perspective, and educate students to embrace inclusiveness, commit to sustainability, and engage with community. We encourage students, scholars, teachers, and industry colleagues to cross traditional boundaries of both geography and disciplines. Together we strive to develop innovative design and strategic business solutions that will upend the status quo, create personal and professional opportunity, and have a lasting and sustainable global impact.