MA in Curatorial Studies

The Center for Curatorial Studies, Bard College (CCS Bard) is distinguished by its tripartite resources: the Hessel Museum of Art, a 25,000 square foot building dedicated to critical and experimental approaches to curating; the CCS Bard Library, one of the leading contemporary art research collections in the U.S. focusing on post-1960s contemporary art; and the CCS Bard Archives, which contain archives and manuscripts of preeminent contemporary art curators, innovative commercial art galleries, artist-run spaces, artists’ initiatives, and the archives of contemporary artists. Together, these resources support one of the world’s most forward-thinking teaching and learning environments for contemporary art research and the study of contemporary curatorial practices.

The two-year graduate program at CCS Bard offers seminars in art and exhibition history, cultural and social theory, and curatorial practice, with an intensive focus on Black studies, decolonial theory and history, queer and feminist studies, ecology and infrastructure, media theory and technology, and embodiment and performance studies, among other areas. The curriculum is specifically designed to deepen students’ understanding of the intellectual and practical tasks of curating exhibitions and projects around contemporary art, particularly within the complex social and cultural situations of present-day arts institutions, as well as focusing on interpretive and critical writing.

The graduate program culminates in individually curated thesis exhibitions at the Hessel Museum. Students are also offered multiple opportunities to realize other public presentations, curatorial projects, and exhibitions at CCS Bard, and in collaboration with partnering institutions, which include most recently EMPAC in Troy, NY, as well as 80WSE, The Kitchen, The International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP), and The Portal, all located in New York City. Additionally, CCS Bard supports student scholarships, a sponsored annual international research trip, and paid summer mentorship placements at institutions around the world.

The program has an internationally distinguished faculty, including curators and other museum professionals, scholars in the humanities and social sciences, artists, and critics. Faculty teaching at CCS Bard during the 2020–21 academic year include: Susan Aberth, Marcia Acita, Nana Adusei-Poku, Vic Brooks, Ann Butler, Dawn Chan, Nyssa Chow, Lauren Cornell, Christian Ayne Crouch, Tom Eccles, Ed Halter, Ruba Katrib, Alex Kitnick, Jordan Lord, Cori Olinghouse, Dina Ramadan, Ali Rosa-Salas, Ian Sullivan, Drew Thompson, Olga Touloumi, Evan Calder Williams, and Amy Zion.

Each semester, CCS Bard invites a distinct group of artists, curators, art historians, and critics to visit the program, meet with students, participate in classes, or give a lecture as part of our Speaker Series. Fall 2020 visitors include: Jareh Das, Aria Dean, rafa esparza, Laura Grey, Steffani Jemison, Thomas Lax, Carmen Mörsch, Wanda Nanibush, Jasbir K. Puar, Jacolby Satterwhite, David Velasco, and Danh Vo.

CCS Bard alumni now include over 300 figures working prominently at institutions in the US and internationally. Graduates have also been part of curatorial teams for many touchstone exhibitions including documenta and biennials in Berlin, Liverpool, Lofoten, Porto Alegre, and Venice, among others.

Interested students must apply online to the master of arts in curatorial studies program by the February 1, 2021 deadline. For more information about the program, the application process, or applying for scholarships, please visit our website at ccs.bard.edu. Interested students are also encouraged to contact CCS Bard to further discuss the program or to set up a visit by calling T (845) 758 7598 or sending an email to ccsadmissions [​at​] bard.edu.