Course General Description

Master's degree in Curatorial Practice

Rigorous curatorial training in the heart of Manhattan with leading curators and experts from New York’s major arts institutions Historical and theoretical study of the expanded curatorial field International network of institutions and organizations for career development The Master of Arts degree in Curatorial Practice is a two-year program that focuses on professional training with a thorough grounding in the relevant study of history, research and theory, and with an emphasis on hands-on work with experts in the field, professional networking and the foremost goal of placing graduates of the program in curatorial jobs. The program takes full advantage of the vast number of arts institutions and professionals on the doorstep of the School of Visual Arts in Chelsea and throughout New York City, providing countless opportunities for study, mentoring and professional development. Our faculty members all work as curators, directors or other professionals at major New York institutions. Our weekly guest lecturers are curators, artists, conservators, writers, architects, critics and theorists who stream into our space on 21st Street from around the world to talk about their exhibitions, programs, projects and events.

School General Description

Welcome to New York City, SVA’s hometown, and the leader of today’s creative economy, with more than 14,000 creative businesses and nonprofits. According to the EY Global Talent in Global Cities 2015 study, New York attracts more creative talent than any other city in the world because it “enjoys a unique cultural scene, embedded in a cosmopolitan and forward-thinking urban environment.” There is no better place to study, practice and work as a creative professional. Critique is a vital and challenging part of the educational experience in a college of art and design. Participating in this practice requires students to be open and vulnerable while they present their work for discussion and questioning, and to trust the transformative powers of the process in service of the work. Through the frequent repetition of this act of openness, students and faculty share and strengthen their humanity, empathy and kinship and their work evolves.