ART 361 Curatorial Studies Seminar
This seminar is a liberal arts course course in which students build on their art historical training to study core curatorial concepts of collections planning, research, analysis, documentation, management and exhibition development, and relate them to the evolving role of museums, galleries, and other art institutions in society. At the same time, it explores the ways in which emerging ideas blend with traditional curatorial skills and knowledge. To complement this theoretical perspective, students study the practical work of curating an art exhibition from start to finish. Through coursework, readings, and visits to collection and exhibitions, students learn how curators determine themes of exhibitions, conduct research, review artists’ works in person or in reproduction, visit artists’ studios, formulate lists of works, and write proposals describing displays and exhibitions. They learn how curators write exhibition catalogues and supplementary textual materials (text panels, object labels, audio guides, and podcasts); collaborate with editors, book designers, and publishers; collaborate with exhibition designers and other museum personnel; and determine venues for exhibitions. The course includes multiple visits to museums, galleries, and private collections with the instructor.