Maryland Institute College of Art - MICA
The MFA in Curatorial Practice
MICA's MFA in Curatorial Practice, the first MFA of its kind in the country, prepares students to question traditional models of the curatorial profession. Curators play a key role in shaping a global society's vibrant cultural life. At MICA, students use innovative methods to expand the role curators currently play in connecting art, artists, and communities. Through collaborative group and self-directed individual thesis projects and interaction with acclaimed faculty and visiting artists and curators, students step beyond conventional contexts to develop more relevant, timely, and accessible exhibitions. MICA is currently seeking MFA in Curatorial Practice applicants with diverse backgrounds from all over the world, including liberal arts and science graduates, designers, writers, and artists-as well as working professionals in education, social work, arts, or nonprofit management-who wish to engage in advanced research and use projects to explore the role of a curator. Students in the two-year, 60-credit, full-time program can expect to: Gain hands-on experience by researching, proposing, planning, and presenting major exhibitions in concert with selected institutions throughout Baltimore. Combine intensive study of art history, theory, and criticism with study of the ethics and politics of the art world. Study both traditional and evolving methods of exhibition creation. Focus on discipline-specific writing skills, including catalog essays and interpretive materials such as wall text and promotional brochure copy. Form enduring relationships with artists and the regional arts community through MICA's longstanding partnerships with arts venues, educational institutions, and neighborhood organizations. Work in individual studio offices in their second year. For more information, visit www.mica.edu/curatorialpractice.