Center for Curatorial Studies Campuses

The Center for Curatorial Studies at Bard College offers a rigorous graduate program focused on curatorial practices in contemporary art. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research, and hands-on experience in exhibition-making, collection management, and art theory.

• Curatorial Studies Seminar: Explores the history and theory of curating, from modernist exhibitions to contemporary global practices, analyzing key figures like Harald Szeemann and Hans Ulrich Obrist.
• Exhibition Design and Installation: Students learn practical skills in designing and installing exhibitions, including spatial planning, lighting, and interpretive materials, often culminating in real-world projects at the Hessel Museum of Art.
• Contemporary Art and Criticism: Delves into current debates in visual culture, including postcolonialism, feminism, and digital media, with readings from theorists like Claire Bishop and Nicolas Bourriaud.
• Research Methods in Art History: Focuses on archival research, oral histories, and interdisciplinary approaches to studying art objects and institutions.
• Professional Practices: Covers grant writing, artist relations, museum ethics, and career development in the art world, featuring guest lectures from curators at institutions like MoMA and Tate Modern.
• Thesis Exhibition: Advanced students develop independent curatorial projects, from concept to realization, supported by faculty mentorship and peer critique.

The program integrates studio visits, international study trips, and collaborations with artists and galleries, fostering a dynamic environment for emerging curators. With access to the renowned Marieluise Hessel Collection of over 1,700 contemporary works, students engage directly with artworks by artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Cindy Sherman, and Andrea Fraser. This immersive approach prepares graduates for roles in museums, biennials, and independent curatorial initiatives. The curriculum evolves annually to reflect emerging trends, ensuring relevance in a rapidly changing art landscape. Emphasis is placed on diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging critical examinations of power structures in art institutions. Overall, the program cultivates innovative curators who can navigate the complexities of global contemporary art while contributing to meaningful public discourse.