/ecm is a two-year postgraduate study program at the University of Applied Arts Vienna addressing questions within the expanded field of museums and exhibitions. The aim of this part-time curatorial program is to lay a ground for research and for critical practice within arts and culture. Engaging with theorical approaches and transdisciplinary strategies enables the participants to develop new ways for conceptualizing, visualizing, communicating and realizing projects in institutions and the independent scene. An integral part of the study program is a collaboratively curated project materializing within and beyond the exhibition format. Curatorial research and collective processes open up a field of experimentation for possible curatorial and institutional futures.
Methods
Teaching units are based on theory and practice. The studies give the students the opportunity to learn with and from artists, educators, activists, practitioners and theorists. The content is actively developed in relation to the changing demands of the curatorial and cultural field. Our pedagogical models are based on shared expertise and exploratory learning and are applied in order to create an open, conversational and dialogic space for learning and acting. A curatorial project combines research, production, and communication. Engagement with transdisciplinary theory production is of central importance. It is interwoven with practice and responds critically to debates and approaches of curating, educating and organising in museums, exhibitions and cultural institutions.
The next /ecm study program starts in October 2020. /ecm assessment seminars will take place on April 3, April 17 and on May 22, 2020. B2 level in German and English are requested.
Team of directors
Martina Griesser-Stermscheg, head of collections, Technisches Museum Wien
Christine Haupt-Stummer, section.a. curatorial collective
Renate Höllwart, art and culture educator, Büro trafo.K
Beatrice Jaschke, purpurkultur—exhibiting, advising, educating
Monika Sommer, director, Haus der Geschichte Österreich
Nora Sternfeld, documenta professor, Kunsthochschule Kassel
Luisa Ziaja, curator for contemporary art, Österreichische Galerie Belvedere