Columbia MODA

[mooncake88]

I find it surprising that there is hardly ANY information on this program on this thread. I think it sounds very interesting, but I'm not sold on it. It seems to have more of a for-profit focus that I'm not exactly looking for. What do you guys think?

[fullofpink]

On 4/8/2011 at 9:44 PM, moonishalfawake said:

I find it surprising that there is hardly ANY information on this program on this thread. I think it sounds very interesting, but I'm not sold on it. It seems to have more of a for-profit focus that I'm not exactly looking for. What do you guys think?

Have you looked at other programs? There's a bunch that are specifically for emerging curators:

The Courtauld (London): MA Curating the Art Museum

Bard (NYC): MA in Art History from the Center for Curatorial Studies

New York University (NYC): PhD in Curatorial Studies

York University (England): Graduate Diploma in Curatorial Studies in Visual Culture

University of British Columbia (Canada): MA in Art History (Critical Curatorial Studies)

Rutgers (New Jersey): Curatorial Studies Certificate

Virginia Commonwealth University (Virginia): Curatorial PhD

CAA Curator Standards and Guidelines

---

From my discussions with students and faculty from some of the MA programs, most concentrate on contemporary/modern. I have heard good things about VCU's program, but it is brand spanking new and is designed to create curator's who can move into director roles as they mature professionally. I've been noticing that NYU keeps playing around with their program, so I'm not convinced they have worked out the kinks yet. Courtauld, as always, is a very respectable program. Columbia's program seems legit. Out of this list, I would say that Bard students are most successful because that program is widely recognized and students tend to do very well in their field.

I would also say that if you want to be a curator, a program like Columbia's will give you a leg up, but won't really seal the deal on the dotted line.

When looking at curatorial programs, make sure the faculty interests match yours. I would also look for secure institutional affiliations. A school may say that they are affiliated with a major museum or gallery, but if you still have to apply and compete for an internship, then I would question that affiliation. Experience experience experience counts, ESPECIALLY when applying for jobs. I would also see where their alumna go afterwards (do they work in museums? Are they freelance? Do they work for galleries? Do they run galleries?).

(Sorry in advance if I forgot some programs. Those were the ones off the top of my head)

[mooncake88]

On 4/9/2011 at 7:02 AM, fullofpink said:

Have you looked at other programs? There's a bunch that are specifically for emerging curators:

The Courtauld (London): MA Curating the Art Museum

Bard (NYC): MA in Art History from the Center for Curatorial Studies

New York University (NYC): PhD in Curatorial Studies

York University (England): Graduate Diploma in Curatorial Studies in Visual Culture

University of British Columbia (Canada): MA in Art History (Critical Curatorial Studies)

Rutgers (New Jersey): Curatorial Studies Certificate

Virginia Commonwealth University (Virginia): Curatorial PhD

CAA Curator Standards and Guidelines

---

From my discussions with students and faculty from some of the MA programs, most concentrate on contemporary/modern. I have heard good things about VCU's program, but it is brand spanking new and is designed to create curator's who can move into director roles as they mature professionally. I've been noticing that NYU keeps playing around with their program, so I'm not convinced they have worked out the kinks yet. Courtauld, as always, is a very respectable program. Columbia's program seems legit. Out of this list, I would say that Bard students are most successful because that program is widely recognized and students tend to do very well in their field.

I would also say that if you want to be a curator, a program like Columbia's will give you a leg up, but won't really seal the deal on the dotted line.

When looking at curatorial programs, make sure the faculty interests match yours. I would also look for secure institutional affiliations. A school may say that they are affiliated with a major museum or gallery, but if you still have to apply and compete for an internship, then I would question that affiliation. Experience experience experience counts, ESPECIALLY when applying for jobs. I would also see where their alumna go afterwards (do they work in museums? Are they freelance? Do they work for galleries? Do they run galleries?).

(Sorry in advance if I forgot some programs. Those were the ones off the top of my head)

Well, thanks for all the programs, I am sure it will be helpful to someone else! But I have already applied, been accepted, and am trying to make a decision. I'm definitely interested in museum work, but I am pretty open to other things as well, and am not sure exactly what I want to do with my degree. A lot of the alumni or soon-to-be alumni from this program seem to go into gallery work, art markets, or other for-profit endeavors, and they told me very few go on to phd programs (mostly because it isn't their main interest). I definitely want to keep my options open for a phd, so I am worried that a program like Columbia's might not prepare me as well, and perhaps the for-profit and non-academia focus might hurt me. Then again, if I decide not to do a phd, Columbia could be my best bet. Gah! I'll never decide.

I guess what I am trying to discern is if Columbia's MODA program is respected as an academic MA, as well as a curatorial/workforce degree.

[fullofpink]

I guess what I am trying to discern is if Columbia's MODA program is respected as an academic MA, as well as a curatorial/workforce degree.

Most of the programs that focus on a curatorial track seem to push people into galleries and the professional art market, at least from what I take. If you are getting a MA in this type of program, most can only find jobs in this area (since, as we've discussed in a 1000 other topics, most museums/institutions want a PhD curator who has done a very traditional Art history track).

I don't think curatorial programs are generally well-received by the academic community. In a typical Art History graduate program, you are focusing 100% on art history. In some curatorial tracks 1/3 is focused on art history, while the other 2/3s are focused on creative thinking/curatorial challenges. In other curatorial tracks, you work 100% on art history while doing an addition 33% percent on curatorial programming, but it's hard for ad coms to distinguish this if they aren't familiar with the individual program; thus, they kind of loop these programs together as "more practice, less education."

If you aren't convinced, you can always reject it. If it is your only acceptance, then don't feel pressured to accept this offer because it's your only one. There's always next application season, or you mind find that your interests change completely in the next few months. If you aren't committed to a career in museums, I would definitely search for an alternative this very specific program.

[Nikksters]

Have you looked into the curatorial program at The Whitney? I dont know how helpful my post will be, but I only ventured to contribute because undergrad professor spoke SO highly of this program--said that graduates of this program "had their resumes moved to the top of the pile" just on the basis of it's prestige. Not sure how accurate that is, or if this helps you at all. It's not an MA, but if plan on curating alone and never entering academia, it may be a cheaper option that will still give you the validation, prestige, and training that you want. Also I wanna say that the program is accredited through some fairly well-known institution?

http://whitney.org/Research/ISP/CuratorialProgram

[fullofpink]

Have you looked into the curatorial program at The Whitney? I dont know how helpful my post will be, but I only ventured to contribute because undergrad professor spoke SO highly of this program--said that graduates of this program "had their resumes moved to the top of the pile" just on the basis of it's prestige. Not sure how accurate that is, or if this helps you at all. It's not an MA, but if plan on curating alone and never entering academia, it may be a cheaper option that will still give you the validation, prestige, and training that you want. Also I wanna say that the program is accredited through some fairly well-known institution?

http://whitney.org/Research/ISP/CuratorialProgram

This program seems to be for artists or contemporary art historians who want to dabble in art history and critical theory. It's not a degree program and is not affiliated with an accredited program. It looks more like a specified internship where you are paying them $1800 to participate.

"Credit may be granted by the students’ home universities for work done in the ISP. Most cooperating schools grant twelve to sixteen credits for participation in the program. Students need to make the necessary arrangements to receive credit."

I would also like to add that although the Whitney is a well-known institution with a great early modern American collection, their reputation isn't the best in regard to contemporary art. Their institutional practices are heavily criticized by museum professionals --- lately, they are the butt of some pretty questionable jokes and people place them on the same level as the New Museum (read: not good). If you want to go into museums or academia, this is not the program for you.... or I should say that you shouldn't rely solely on this program to get you into the door. This may be a decent program for those who want to go into art galleries or become dealers.

[artmuse]

This program seems to be for artists or contemporary art historians who want to dabble in art history and critical theory. It's not a degree program and is not affiliated with an accredited program. It looks more like a specified internship where you are paying them $1800 to participate.

"Credit may be granted by the students’ home universities for work done in the ISP. Most cooperating schools grant twelve to sixteen credits for participation in the program. Students need to make the necessary arrangements to receive credit."

I would also like to add that although the Whitney is a well-known institution with a great early modern American collection, their reputation isn't the best in regard to contemporary art. Their institutional practices are heavily criticized by museum professionals --- lately, they are the butt of some pretty questionable jokes and people place them on the same level as the New Museum (read: not good). If you want to go into museums or academia, this is not the program for you.... or I should say that you shouldn't rely solely on this program to get you into the door. This may be a decent program for those who want to go into art galleries or become dealers.

I definitely wouldn't discount the Whitney or the Whitney ISP program. While it's not at all equivalent to a graduate degree, it is a really great program that is well respected by other museums and can be a great addition to your education in the arts. Many prominent curators, artists, and art critics have taken part in the program. Everyone I know that's done it speaks of it as a formative experience in their careers.

Also I think it's very dismissive and completely untrue to say that the Whitney doesn't have a good reputation for contemporary art. I work in the modern department a major New York museum much larger than the Whitney where their exhibitions and scholarship are taken very seriously. They definitely take a lot of risks with young artists that many other institutions wouldn't. Particularly with the biennial, which continues to play an important role in contemporary art scene.

I don't think the discussion of the ISP or any other programs really has to do with the original discussion here though. To the original poster I would say that in most cases if you definitely want to go onto a PhD program then a straight Art History masters is probably your best bet. I think these things will change with time but for now the programs with alternative focuses are viewed somewhat warily by PhD programs and even museums. On the other hand, if you feel that the program has enough of an art historical focus to prepare you for further study, I would say go for it. There is no right or wrong path.

Edited April 14, 2011 by artmuse

[violetvivian]

Also I think it's very dismissive and completely untrue to say that the Whitney doesn't have a good reputation for contemporary art. I work in the modern department a major New York museum much larger than the Whitney where their exhibitions and scholarship are taken very seriously. They definitely take a lot of risks with young artists that many other institutions wouldn't. Particularly with the biennial, which continues to play an important role in contemporary art scene.

I agree. I'm curious what the "jokes" you mention are, fullofpink? Actually curious, not trying to be disparaging--I'm admittedly not really up on my artworld gossip.

[fullofpink]

I agree. I'm curious what the "jokes" you mention are, fullofpink? Actually curious, not trying to be disparaging--I'm admittedly not really up on my artworld gossip.

Oh you know, things like, "Well, we don't want to this look like a Whitney exhibition" or "The Whitney's done worse than this, no one will bat an eye." I can't remember too many that were specific and the ones I do remember I don't want to repeat since that will give away my anonymity in case my fellows are on this forum, but some have made my jaw drop.

Also, regarding the Biennial, recently they have been making huge strides in repairing the show (and its reputation, if only by not hyping it up as much as they used to) and the latest reviews seem to be positive, but their shows over the last decade seemed to have mixed reviews and poor reception.

[fullofpink]

Have you looked into the curatorial program at The Whitney? I dont know how helpful my post will be, but I only ventured to contribute because undergrad professor spoke SO highly of this program--said that graduates of this program "had their resumes moved to the top of the pile" just on the basis of it's prestige. Not sure how accurate that is, or if this helps you at all. It's not an MA, but if plan on curating alone and never entering academia, it may be a cheaper option that will still give you the validation, prestige, and training that you want. Also I wanna say that the program is accredited through some fairly well-known institution?

http://whitney.org/Research/ISP/CuratorialProgram

Here's old forum posts that may be worth resurrecting:

Here's a nice little history about it: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0268/is_6_42/ai_113389504/pg_7/

If you do a quick google search for "whitney ISP alumni" it will bring up a list of those who have attended the program and their bios. It would be interesting to see what these people are doing today. A lot of them attended the program pre-2000, so it would be interesting to find what current/recent graduates end up doing.

Edit: This is a nice review. http://markmaking.typepad.com/markmaking/2006/03/isp_art.html

Edited April 14, 2011 by fullofpink

[Eliza123]

Is anyone a student or graduate of the program? Also, I'm wondering if anyone knows the average gpa of students in the program. I want to apply, but I don't want to waste my time if my gpa isn't high enough. Thanks!

[shiv]

Hello to everyone here!

I am an international student and want to get into one of the above mentioned curatorial programs. But would like to know if they require any beforehand curatorial experience for admissions.

Also if someone could help me giving tips for writing an exhibition proposal as I hold a B.F.A with art history as one of the core subjects only and not as major.

If having art history major is given preference to these programs?

Thanks in anticipation.