Master of Fine Arts in Criticism & Curatorial Practice
The Master of Fine Arts in Criticism & Curatorial Practice combines history, theory and criticism with professional curatorial practice to explore and experiment with the breadth and depth of contemporary art, media and design. OCAD University is uniquely positioned in Canada to offer this program: OCAD U has well-established graduate and undergraduate studio-based programs in art, media and design; it has an interdisciplinary Liberal Studies faculty; and it is located in the vibrant Queen West area of downtown Toronto.
Program Guide
The MFA in Criticism & Curatorial Practice is a 60-credit program comprising:
- Five core seminars (critical theory, research methods, issues in exhibitions, critical writing, and issues in criticism and curatorial studies)
- Two core practice and issues-based studio/seminars
- "Inside the Museum," an on-site theory and practice based course (including a collaborative group exhibition)
- Two elective seminars or studios
- Individual research
- Summer internship or study abroad
- Thesis: Curatorial exhibition and critical essay, or Criticism thesis
The program is normally completed on a full-time basis within two years (five semesters).
Some part-time students may be admitted (with the Program Director's approval) with a more flexible completion schedule (up to three years to complete all courses requirements and up to fourteen semesters to complete all degree requirements). The part-time option is intended for applicants currently working in the field of Criticism and Curating. Part-time applicants must present a clear research proposal organized around a part-time study schedule with a timeline for completion.
Students entering the program will have an honours-equivalent four-year bachelor’s degree in studio art or design, or art history/visual culture, or a related discipline, and several years of practical experience. They will be interested in augmenting their existing knowledge base through a program of study that facilitates exploration of and experimentation with the full range of contemporary art and/or design curatorial and critical practices and that provides the historical, theoretical and critical armature required.
While the majority of curatorial and museum studies programs in Canada are streams within an art history program leading to a Master of Arts degree, this program focuses on the professional practices of curating and criticism in combination with theory and history, leading to the Master of Fine Arts degree. Graduate faculty teaching in the program and adjunct faculty supervising student internships and international placements include practicing curators and critics.
Objectives:
The objectives of the MFA in Criticism and Curatorial Practice are:
- To ensure that students acquire advanced research skills for visual and academic investigations in the areas of art, media, and design practice and critical theory.
- To contribute to new knowledge in the areas of art, media, and design research methodologies in criticism and curatorial practices.
- To promote the development of practices which facilitate sustainability, social responsibility, and diverse social and cultural perspectives.
- To develop and advance curatorial and critical practices in design.
- To promote contemporary art, media, and design practices within public contexts.
- To contribute to the development of the field of Canadian art, media, and design criticism.
- To contribute to the development of the field of curatorial practice in private and public galleries and museums and to independent curatorial practices.
Key Features:
- Partnerships, internships and events at organizations such as the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Textile Museum, C Magazine, the Toronto Alliance of Art Critics, and various Toronto artist-run centres.
- The Summer Internship, which is an approximately four-week placement with a gallery, museum, arts publication or other relevant cultural institution in Canada or abroad. The internship allows students to integrate the knowledge gleaned from first year seminars with the practices of curating and criticism.
- The annual Artist-in-Residence program, which brings internationally renowned artists, designers, curators and critics to OCAD U for a one-week residency during which they conduct seminars, attend studio critiques, and give a public lecture/presentation.
Last Modified:1/24/2012 12:57:29 PM
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