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MA Contemporary Art

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New York

MA Contemporary Art

Fall 2024

Focus on art from the 1960s to the present, developing an in-depth understanding of the artists, theories, and movements that define contemporary art.

This program provides an in-depth academic understanding of contemporary art and fosters the professional skills needed to work in the field. Contemporary art is examined in relation to its makers and its making, the cultural and critical ideas that informed it, and as art object: its curation and display, entry into museum culture, place in art history, and status as an art commodity. Studies are anchored in the close study of visual art and critical thought, with classroom learning by leading faculty and guest speakers complemented by faculty-led, specially-designed visits to the galleries, museums, and artists’ studios of New York City and by international Field Study. Trained to be conversant with art objects and ideas as well as the commercial and institutional contexts in which they are embedded, students are prepared for a wide range of careers in the art world. Download the Master’s prospectus.

Highlights

  • Experiential learning International study trips, seeing and discussing art in situ with industry professionals are part of the Institute’s signature hands-on approach and teaching style.

  • Exploration and Discovery The unique opportunity to learn directly from experts and gain an intimate understanding of art market key players, mechanisms, and emerging trends.

  • Renowned speakers and thought leaders Guest lecturers and site visit hosts allow you to meet art world cognoscenti and expand your network. Past speakers for this program have included Ian Wardropper; Amy Cappellazzo; Maxwell L; Anderson, Thelma Golden; Jerry Saltz; Arnold Lehman; Kate Rothko; Jamie Martin; Dominique Levy; Matthew Bogdanos.

  • Build a portfolio Signature student projects include designing themed auction sales catalogues, from curating, establishing provenance and literature notes, to condition and pre-sale estimates for each lot.

Faculty

Morgan Falconer

Faculty, MA Contemporary Art, New York

Morgan Falconer is a critic and art historian. Educated at the University of Leeds, and the Courtauld Institute of Art, he completed a Ph.D. on American modernist culture at University College London. He recently completed a history of painting after 1945 entitled Painting Beyond Pollock, published by Phaidon in March 2015.

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Ágnes Berecz

Faculty, MA Contemporary Art, New York

Ágnes Berecz focuses on transnational exchanges and collaborative, multimedia practices in postwar and contemporary art. Her most recent research project (“Consumed by Play: The Politics of the Transformable Work of Art”), published by the Kemper Art Museum of the Washington University in 2020, dealt with the participatory, ludic practices of the decade-long, transnational collaboration, Edition MAT.

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Next Steps

More Information

  • Academic Structure

    Academic Structure

    Designed to immerse students in all aspects of the contemporary art scene, this program provides privileged access to arts professionals and guest speakers drawn from every sector of the industry. The program’s first semester supplies foundations in the study of objects, ideas, histories, and exhibitions. In the second semester, students examine the history of art since 2000; survey key institutions — galleries, auction houses, and museums — through which contemporary art flows. A course on business skills covers key areas in art law, commerce, and fine art valuation.

    The Master’s degree is awarded for 30 credits across semesters one and two, as well as the completion of a 6-credit thesis or capstone project in the third semester.
    The MA in Contemporary Art culminates in a capstone project which can take the form of a traditional, long-form academic thesis, or a more flexible Master’s Project (often a business plan or curatorial project). Students may also elect to extend their studies an additional semester and either transfer to the Institute’s campus in London or return to New York and pursue core courses in either Art Business or Fine and Decorative Art and Design.

  • Program Dates

    Program Dates

    SEPTEMBER 2024 ENTRY: September 2024 – December 2025

    DEADLINES:

    • Early Action Deadline: December 1, 2023
    • Priority Decision and Scholarship Deadline: March 1, 2024
    • Regular Decision Deadline: May 1, 2024
  • Tuition & Fees

    Tuition & Fees

    Semester 1: 15 credits
    Semester 2: 15 credits
    Semester 3: 6 credits

    Tuition: $1,878 per credit
    Travel Fee: Each field study trip typically ranges from $3,800 to $5,000 according to destination. Travel fees are indicative only and subject to change.
    Materials Fee: $824
    International Student Fee: $206

    For more information on tuition and program fees, click here.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    From visa information for international students to course credits, find answers on our FAQ page. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, contact an Admissions counselor.

  • Student Policies

    Student Policies

    Explore our library of academic and campus policies here. All students who enroll for graduate study must agree to the Terms and Conditions upon accepting their offer of admittance..

  • Prospectus

    Prospectus

    Download the Master’s degree prospectus for an in-depth look at the curriculum and what to expect this academic year.