Criticism & Curatorial Practice (MFA) – OCAD University

The application deadline for 2013/2014 is January 14, 2013.

The Master of Fine Arts in Criticism & Curatorial Practice combines history, theory and criticism with professional curatorial practice to explore and experiment with the breadth and depth of contemporary art, media and design.

While the majority of curatorial and museum studies programs in Canada are streams within an art history program leading to a Master of Arts degree, this program focuses on the professional practices of curating and criticism in combination with theory and history, leading to the Master of Fine Arts degree. Graduate faculty teaching in the program and adjunct faculty supervising student internships include practicing curators and critics.

The MFA in Criticism & Curatorial Practice is a 60-credit program comprising:

• Five core seminars (critical theory, research methods, issues in exhibitions, critical writing, and issues in criticism and curatorial studies)
• Two core practice and issues-based studio/seminars
• “Inside Curatorial Practice,” an on-site theory and practice based course (including a collaborative group exhibition)
• Two elective seminars or studios
• Individual research
• Summer internship or study abroad
• Thesis: Curatorial exhibition and critical essay, or Criticism thesis

The program is normally completed on a full-time basis within two years (five semesters).

Some part-time students may be admitted (with the Program Director’s approval) with a more flexible completion schedule (up to three years to complete all courses requirements and up to fourteen semesters to complete all degree requirements). The part-time option is intended for applicants currently working in the field of Criticism and Curating. Part-time applicants must present a clear research proposal organized around a part-time study schedule with a timeline for completion.

Students entering the program will have an honours-equivalent four-year bachelor’s degree in studio art or design, or art history/visual culture, or a related discipline, and several years of practical experience. They will be interested in augmenting their existing knowledge base through a program of study that facilitates exploration of and experimentation with the full range of contemporary art and/or design curatorial and critical practices and that provides the historical, theoretical and critical armature required.

For more information, contact:
Office of Graduate Studies
www.ocadu.ca/gradstudies
gradstudies@ocadu.ca
T 416 977 6000 Ext. 423