Graduate Programs

Curatorial Practice (MFA)

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Graduate Programs
Curatorial Practice (MFA)
The first M.F.A. of its kind in the country, MICA's M.F.A. in Curatorial Practice prepares students to expand the role of curators—engaging audiences more effectively by proposing alternative models of exhibition-making, institution-building, and social justice through art.

MICA's M.F.A. in Curatorial Practice offers a hands-on curriculum that balances collaboration and socially engaged practices with academic research in history and theory. By creating real-world collaborative and individual exhibitions, our students raise awareness, bridge societal gaps, and catalyze exchanges across various disciplines, both inside and outside the art world.

 

Program Overview

Students in this two-year, 60-credit, full-time program will study and engage in the process of exhibition creation, defining their own professional practices and taking on the roles and responsibilities of working curators.

Students will examine historical perspectives on curatorial practice and gain a grounding in art history, theory, and criticism through a stimulating roster of visiting artists, curators, and critics.

In their first year, all CP students will collaboratively research, propose, plan, and execute a major exhibition together; by the end of their second year, each student will have conceived and completed a self-directed thesis project with a partnering venue, organization, or community group.

Through both projects, students will develop writing skills specific to exhibition practice—including catalog essays and interpretive materials—and will form enduring relationships with partners and artists through MICA's ties to arts venues, educational institutions, and neighborhood organizations.

Who Should Apply

This program enrolls students with diverse backgrounds from all over the world, including liberal arts and sciences graduates, designers, writers, entrepreneurs, and artists—as well as working professionals in education, arts administration, and nonprofit management who want to engage in advanced research and explore the role of a curator.

Successful candidates also have a commitment to sharing global perspectives with diverse audiences, knowledge of contemporary exhibition practices, the ability to work collaboratively with artists and community partners; an understanding of radical changes in 21st century art worlds, and a range of multidisciplinary skills.

Practicum Projects

Real-World Classroom

First-year students in the M.F.A. in Curatorial Practice program collectively research, propose and plan a solo, group or thematic exhibition which includes regional, national and international artists. Click the link below to view past projects.

Leslie King-Hammond Graduate Fellowship and Curatorial Practice Alum Deyane Moses '21

Deyane Moses is an artist, activist, and curator. In 2019, she graduated from MICA with a BFA in Photography.

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