"Having studied in London, I can say the experience is worth it, even weighing up the expenses in London. London is the gateway to emerging markets and to the States. The personal challenge is unmatched and I feel I really grew as a person." Jen Leutner MA Contemporary Art,
London, 2007
"I learned a lot about the real history of contemporary art. What is important about this programme is that we go to Germany and to the Netherlands to see the art. The emphasis is on seeing the real physical environments." Melvin Marshall MA Contemporary Art,
London, 2007
For those who wish to study contemporary art in-depth, this programme emphasises the artwork itself and how we approach and interpret art from 1960 onwards. Analysis of paintings, sculpture, installations, video art, performance, and conceptual works form a regular part of the curriculum, as do topical debates on the theoretical and institutional issues of the art world today.
To emphasise the practical and vocational aspects of contemporary art, students and faculty work together in group visits to London’s museums and galleries and extended study visits to European museums, collections, art fairs, biennials, artists’ studios, and galleries.
Established in 1991, the programme helps students to develop and discuss their ideas in one-on-one tutorials which are a distinctive aspect of the programme. Graduates go on to pursue a variety of fascinating careers in the contemporary art market and benefit from the exposure to the international perspective of the programme. Working in commercial contemporary galleries or public museums around the world, opening their own galleries or working as curators, editors or critics, our graduates also keep in touch via the Institute’s Alumni network and contribute to the broader contemporary art network in London and elsewhere.
ACADEMIC YEAR: 1 September 2009 - 31 October 2010
SEMESTER 1
7 September – 15 December, 2009 Art since 1960 Issues in contemporary art Curating an exhibition in a commercial gallery Writing and publishing art criticism Research methodology Study visit to European Biennale and Northern Germany
SEMESTER 2
January - June, 2010 Art since 1990 The art world as a network Art, criticism, theory and literature Research seminars and presentations Key artists, key exhibitions Research methodology Options in contemporary art:
1. Art law and business
2. Global photography today
3. New media in contemporary art
4. Graphic design and contemporary design
SEMESTER 3
June - October, 2010 Dissertation (MA only). Students prepare a dissertation under the supervision of their tutor.