MA in Critical and Curatorial Studies in Contemporary Art (CCSCA)

The MA in Critical and Curatorial Studies in Contemporary Art (CCSCA) is a two-year, international graduate program that aims to provide students with a critical understanding of the diverse issues, contexts and practices of contemporary art and curating, with a focus on the Asia Pacific region. Applications are now open for fall 2019. The deadline for applications is April 30, 2019.

Launched in 2016 at National Taipei University of Education, CCSCA is one of the very few programs of its kind that focuses on the study of art and curatorial practice not only in Taiwan but also in the Asia-Pacific. Given Taiwan’s central geographical location and growing importance as a vibrant and diverse cultural hub in Asia, CCSCA is well placed to develop and facilitate a critical understanding of the artistic and curatorial practices in East and Southeast Asia, as well as the Pacific region. With its practice oriented, research-inspired approach to learning and teaching, the program aims to develop critical thinking, research and writing skills alongside theoretical and practical knowledge of contemporary art and curating across the diverse historical, social and political contexts of the region. 

The five modules of CCSCA—art history, art criticism, curatorial studies, museum studies and creative industries - are designed to offer students a critical and comprehensive understanding of contemporary art and curating from different vantage points around the globe, with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region. These modules will enable students to develop a familiarity with major theorists and critics, art history’s interpretive methods and models, different forms of critical writing and the history, theory and practice of exhibitions and curating. Along with interactive seminars, lectures and tutorials, the program is also organized through workshops, international exchanges, internships, excursions and an overseas study trip so as to provide students with an integrated learning experience wherein art historical and theoretical resources are applied to the diverse contexts of art and curating in the region.

CCSCA offers students with the opportunity to meet and engage with a range of visiting professors, critics and curators who are regularly invited to deliver guest lectures and presentations in the program. In 2018, CCSCA program director Lu Pei-Yi developed a partnership with the Spring Foundation and Taipei MOCA to host the “Curating History/ Histories of Curating in Asia, Part 2” lecture series which featured an eminent line-up of speakers, including Mami Kataoka (chief curator of Mori Art Museum), Ute Meta Bauer (Founding Director of NTU CCA Singapore), Anthony Gardner (author of Biennials, Triennials, and Documenta: The Exhibitions that Created Contemporary Art) and Sophie McIntyre (author of Imagining Taiwan: The Role of Art in Taiwan’s Quest for Identity).

This year CCSCA has embarked on a collaborative partnership with Cube Project Space and the Taipei Fine Arts Museum to organize a major international conference “Rethinking Contemporary Curating in the context of Asia and beyond” with the support of the National Culture and Art Foundation. In the lead up to the conference, six curatorial workshops will be held by visiting curators from the region, and CCSCA students will be given the opportunity to enroll in these workshops.

Based on extensive industry engagement and consultation, CCSCA’S program is also delivered in close collaboration with our on-campus museum (MoNTUE) and in partnership with a broad range of museums and galleries across Taiwan and in the region. Through its various collaborative partnerships with key art and cultural institutions locally and overseas, CCSCA aims to strengthen its mission of providing students with a solid foundation for developing critical knowledge and practical understanding of art and curating in the Asia Pacific region and beyond.

Language of Instruction: English

Program highlights: Affordable tuition fee (3500 USD per year)
 / Focus on Asia Pacific art and curating
 / Integration of theory and practice / Field excursions and overseas study trip / Intensive museum internship / Scholarship offer
 / Chinese language training program on campus

Applicants are required to submit

(1) University/College Certificate or Degree/Diploma

(2) An autobiography or a personal statement (no more than two A4 pages)

(3) Study plan

(4) Other documents that may facilitate the review

(5) English proficiency test score (applied to students whose first language is not English)

Online application

Contact: T +886 2 6639 6688 ext. 52168