Application deadline: 31 May 2014
Information events:
April 3 and May 8, 6pm
ZHdK, Ausstellungsstrasse 60, 5th floor
The Postgraduate programme in Curating is conceived of as a discursive platform which imparts key areas of contemporary exhibition-making by way of praxis-oriented project work. With instruction modules, group activities, seminars, and lectures held by an international selection of guests, various fields of knowledge are researched and projects are developed and carried to realization. The programme focuses less on the ‘genius concept’ of the exhibition planner as individual author—a highly controversial topic since the 1990s—than on cooperative, interdisciplinary working methods, as employed, for example, in film productions or non-governmental organizations.
ZHdK and Zurich
Zurich University of the Arts is amongst the largest art schools in Europe. While firmly anchored in greater Zurich, our influence extends well beyond Switzerland to the wider international stage. Zurich as the cultural center for art in Switzerland provides a unique and vibrant cultural scene at the heart of Europe.
Museum Bärengasse/Gasthaus zum Bären
Together with the Webjournal OnCurating, the Postgraduate programme in Curating is currently programming talks, exhibitions, and filmscreenings at the Gasthaus zum Bären/Museum Bärengasse. We also installed an open curating studio at this renowned exhibition venue. We furthermore collaborate with many international venues.
The Postgraduate programme in Curating offers three study opportunities:
– CAS skills areas
The Postgraduate certificate (CAS) is a one-year, part-time course providing participants with key qualifications in all areas of curatorial practice: research, conception, organization and communication, as well as basic theoretical knowledge.
– MAS skills areas
The Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) is a two-year, part-time study programme culminating in an advanced qualification. It guides participants through an in-depth enquiry into the key areas of curatorial practice and relevant theory. Students have the opportunity to develop and situate their own curatorial projects and access cultural networks. The programme concludes with a major project and written dissertation.
– PhD project outline
The MAS degree in curating can be attained through the development of a dissertation project rather than a curatorial project. We accompany the development of a dissertation project as far as the exposé (subject and relevance, hypothesis, state of research, methods, outline). Supervision of PhD projects will be provided by Dr. Dorothee Richter, head of MAS Curating, in conjunction with the University of Reading.
Target group
The program is designed for persons working in art, culture, and the media, graduates of art academies and universities of applied sciences in the disciplines of art, architecture, interior architecture, photography, interior decoration, installation, design, theatre, scenography, and music, as well as university graduates in the fields of art history, cultural studies, or literary studies. The program is also suitable for candidates who have acquired certain curatorial skills through practical experience.
Admissions requirements
University degree (Bachelor, Diploma or Master) from a university of applied sciences, general university, Federal Institute of Technology, or a professional school or a comparable degree and corresponding professional experience with a determination of aptitude by the programme director. We strongly advise to apply as soon as possible.
Programme aim
The aim of the Postgraduate programme in Curating is to examine changes in current cultural production and develop innovative displays in that context. Particularly for participants from the fields of design, art, culture, and media, the programme aims to open new perspectives in the professional field. The programme accordingly also fosters the development of an international network by involving an international spectrum of lecturers and providing opportunities for students to conduct internationally oriented projects.
