Curatorial Studies - Theory - History - Criticism

Course Overview

One of the major interests of the programme is to open up discussions on curating and art criticism that have so far been closely connected to contemporary art to previous eras and other cultural-science disciplines. The exhibition and museum business of the 21sth century faces new tasks and challenges. The presentation of works of art and objects of cultural and historical significance has become a complex challenge in a global art world, but also as a result of developments within contemporary art, and it therefore needs to take art history as well as cultural, social, political and philosophical aspects into account. Museums and other art institutions have to reformulate their concept of the public sphere. Museums are increasingly having to model public discourses. This is true not only for institutions that are directly linked to contemporary art. The changes are in fact so fundamental that they also affect the organisation of classical art history, ethnological and historical collections. The Masters programme in Curatorial Studies Theory History Criticism offers museum curators, exhibition planners and art critics a theoretical and practical basis for professional life. During their studies, students are already given the chance to link expertise to curating issues and practical knowledge. The Frankfurt study programme is characterised by a unique, nationwide co-operation between committed university institutes, outstanding museums and an internationally renowned art academy.