Curatorial Studies – Theory – History – Criticism (Curatorial Studies – Theorie – Geschichte – Kritik)

Curatorial Studies – Theory – History – Criticism is a two-year Master's programme run by Goethe University and Hochschule für Bildende Künste–Städelschule – in cooperation with Städel Museum, Liebieghaus Skulpturensammlung, Museum MMK für Moderne Kunst Frankfurt, Historisches Museum Frankfurt, Weltkulturen Museum and Portikus. The following disciplines are involved through the institutes and/or faculty representatives at Goethe University: Art History, Philosophy, Ethnology, Archaeological Sciences, Art Education and History. The programme is domiciled at Goethe University's Institute of Art History. The programme is internationally unique, defined by the close collaboration of the university, art academy and museums. Through innovative learning formats, the students can combine academic study and research with curatorial discourse and professional practice. The focus of the curriculum is the reflection on curating art and on art criticism as an intellectual and aesthetic challenge. The objective is to acquire a competency that combines subject-related work with theoretical and specialist knowledge. One of the particular aims of this Master’s programme is to extend the scope of discussions on curating and the theory of art, so far closely linked to contemporary art, in order to cover earlier eras and other academic disciplines, as well. In the 21st century, museums and exhibition venues are faced with new tasks and new challenges. Under the conditions of global works of art as well as in a reaction to developments in contemporary art, the presentation of art works and objects of cultural history has become a socio-political challenge that demands that the history of art as well as cultural, social, political, and philosophical aspects be taken into consideration. This joint Master's programme in Frankfurt responds to these challenges, offering future curators and art critics the opportunity to combine theory and specialist knowledge with questions relating to curating and the history of art. Practical knowledge is offered. The programme's unique combination of academic teaching, museums, and exhibition facilities and artistic training allows for the daily interweaving of curatorial questions, art criticism, and the practice of art. A large portion of the course is reserved for the academic qualification of the students within their own disciplines – the history of art, philosophy, ethnology, archaeological sciences, art education, or history.