Courtesy of Premio Arte Laguna

MASTER
COURSE MASTER

CURATORIAL
PRACTICE
IED Venezia
January 2018
Master Diploma IED
English
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Project by A. Schillaci
Curatorial Practice
ied.edu/apply-to-master

VENICE, AS A REAL
INTERNATIONAL ARTISTIC POLE,
Master Diploma IED - CURATORIAL PRACTICE | Communication

REPRESENTS A MAIN PLAYER

IN THE GLOBAL SCENARIO
OF THE ART SYSTEM, INCLUDING Title Master Diploma IED
in Curatorial Practice

A GROWING NUMBER OF MATERIAL Coordinator Jonathan Watkins

AND VIRTUAL VENUES THAT

Starting date January 2018

Duration 1 year, full-time

REPRESENT A WIDE RANGE Location Venice

OF CURATORIAL PROJECTS
School Communication

Language English

OPPORTUNITIES: MUSEUMS,
EXHIBITION AREAS, ART
GALLERIES, BIENNIALS, FAIRS,
IED VENEZIA

PLATFORMS, WEBSITES, ETC.

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MASTER COURSES IED VENEZIA COURSES

IED Master courses allow students to be
involved in conceptual and project simulations.
Master Diploma IED - CURATORIAL PRACTICE | Communication

Study plans have a flexible structure in terms of contents and respond Master Courses Business for Arts and Culture
effectively to those wishing to stand out both in creativity and management. Curatorial Practice
These courses are based on Italian design features: curiosity, initiative
and improvement thanks to technical skills and creativity. Advanced Study Glass Design
Programmes Professione Registrar
Structured with real companies support, Master courses coach students
to face customer marketing and to build their own professional identity. Continuing Study Comunicare lArte: dallo Storytelling ai Social Media
These courses offer the know-how and technical tools useful to manage Programmes Corporate and Private Events
the project complexity through a methodological approach. Visual Merchandising
Web Design
Starting from a multidisciplinary methodology, they are aimed at
strengthening students autonomy in the relevant fields and moulding Three-Year Courses Interior Design
them into professionals capable of leading a design project and managing Media Design
all its associated complexities using a creative and manufacturing approach.
Professional Modellista
Career opportunities include placements within organisations, design Training Programmes Grafica
studios or agencies.
Summer Courses Contemporary Art in Venice - The Biennale Exhibition
Drawing Venice: New Interpretations of the Classic City
From Paris to Venice: Street Photography
IED VENEZIA
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MASTER COURSE
IN CURATORIAL PRACTICE
Master Diploma IED - CURATORIAL PRACTICE | Communication
The Master course in Curatorial Practice held
in IED Venezia focuses on making and
programming exhibitions in visual arts.
It draws on the prestige of the school and the
unique, multifaceted position of the city as
an art center that critically engage with
current debates in curatorial practice and
generate professional excellence with an
innovative impulse.
The study plan focuses on topics related with
international contemporary art and visual
arts institutions and practices, training in
exhibition organisation and public programs
in museums and non profit galleries,
commissioning, writing, publishing and
commercial gallery activities.
IED VENEZIA
TARGET
This study path is designed for postgraduate
students coming from all over the world
who want to specialise in the curatorial
sector, for a professional future in museums,
galleries, fairs or auction houses.
Previous study in the field of Arts and
Management are a plus, but not required.
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
The course offers vocational expertise and
skills along with an intellectual framework
for curating and related activity either
in the public or private sectors. Through
consideration of related areas such
as writing, publishing, education and
marketing, students will go on to pursue
careers in museums and non-profit galleries
as well as in commercial galleries, fairs,
and auction houses.
Project LAltra Riva by G. Pulice
CAREER SERVICE
After meeting successfully graduated
students, Career Service submits CVs
and portfolios to interested companies,
arranges the selection interviews - aimed
at activating internships or training
periods, collaborations, field projects -
and ensure constant support monitoring
activities. During the study pathway,
IED trains students and provides them
with the techniques and tools required
to write their CV, to take a selection
interview, realise their personal portfolio.
8

Project Fly With App by M. Malanca

METHODOLOGY AND STRUCTURE
The course has a very pragmatic approach,
providing students with methodology
and a step-by-step path that leads
to the realisation of an exhibition project.
Master Diploma IED - CURATORIAL PRACTICE | Communication

The duration of the course is divided Skills and Expertise

as follows: seven months of lectures,
lab activities, museum and gallery visits,
integrated with individual study, project
development and three months dedicated
to the elaboration of a Final Project that
can be undertaken alone or in a group.
For that reason its structure is divided
into 3 main parts:
Theory
The first part provides students with solid
introduction to the history of post-WW2
modern and contemporary art and a critical
analysis of recent trends. The history
of exhibitions is analysed on the basis
of museology, leading to a consideration
of current curatorial strategies, experienced
through the unique opportunity to live
firsthand the next Biennal and to meet
IED VENEZIA
The second part teaches specific expertise
and skills required to develop an efficient
working practice in the fields of exhibition
organisation and management. The course
analyses which marketing activities are
carried out in order to increase the audience
of different targets and its involvement.
Practice
The third part is dedicated to curatorial
activity and exhibition design. Students,
in group or alone, work on specific curatorial
ideas in order to develop real projects
proposals, that will be part of their personal
portfolio together with their Final Project.

professionals working into the main Arts

Foundations and institutions in Venice.
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PROGRAMME
THEORY
Master Diploma IED - CURATORIAL PRACTICE | Communication
Introduction
This teaching provides a summary of the
forthcoming modules, raising fundamental
questions about the institutions of art.
Students will learn to approach the whole
course with a critical-analytical tone.
Modernism
Artistic gestures made during the
development of modernism continue
to have strong resonance in all aspects
of contemporary art experience, practical,
critical and curatorial. The proximity of the
Guggenheim Museum is an invaluable asset
to this course. One of the most remarkable
collections of modernist art in the world
provide students with first hand experiences
helping them to develop an understanding
of modernism as a movement, 1900-1980.
Post-Modernism and Contemporary Art
The linear path of modernism was
interrupted by post-modernism, especially
inspired by feminism, that came quickly
to embody an extraordinary diversity
of styles, propositions and practices arising
from a wide international range of cultural
traditions. Contemporary art is informed
IED VENEZIA
largely by post-modernism, as demonstrated
by this module.
Museology
The impulse to build museums as institutions
for the protection of artistic products
and other culturally significant objects was
particularly strong during the Enlightenment,
but it is very much a feature of modernist
and postmodernist times. This module
will examine the increase in the number
of museums, especially art museums, around
the world, raising questions about their
relevance and function.
History of Exhibitions
There is a seemingly endless variety of art
exhibitions. Having their origins in the salon
exhibitions of the 18th century, especially
in France and Britain, they now range
from small artists initiatives to massive
projects such as the Biennale di Venezia.
Besides providing a brief history, this module
will focus on a number of seminal exhibitions
such as When Attitudes Become Form 1969,
Aperto 80 Venice Biennale, Magiciens de
la terre 1989 and Cities on the Move 1997.
Exhibitions Now
This module focuses on the variety
of todays exhibitions e.g. monographic
exhibitions and retrospectives; group shows
based on ideas of national representation
and other topics; and biennials, triennials
and other international exhibitions, exploring
what makes them different and up-to-date.
SKILLS AND EXPERTISE
Exhibition Organisation
Exhibition organisation requires careful
planning in a number of areas. Besides the
development of a proposition why this
exhibition, what could be exposed, etc.?
there is much to be taken into account,
including artists involvement, the venue
and other contexts and resources available.
This module also provides an introduction
to those that follow concerning audience
development, related learning, public
programmes and publications.
Commissioning/Fundraising
As contemporary art is often commissioned,
this module deals with the kinds of processes
involved through the analysis of several
case studies. Particular attention is paid
on fundraising, which has become more
and more essential for commissions
and art projects in general, thanks
to donations, sponsorships, and grants.
Writing/Publishing
Visual art, paradoxically, involves a lot
of writing. Project descriptions are required
for proposals, fundraising and related
reports, promotion and interpretation.
Furthermore, texts are required for
exhibition catalogues and a variety of other
related publications. This module also deals
with the publishing business, including
graphic design and print production.
Audience Development: Learning
Art is about audience response as much
as artistic gestures. Learning activity
is undertaken in order to develop audiences,
providing opportunities for the enhancement
of artistic experience for both specialists
and those who are new to art, of all ages,
from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.
This module is concerned with the devising
of learning and public programs, taking
into account the nature of the art project,
the organising institution, existing
and potential audiences.
Audience Development:
Marketing and Public Relations
This module analyses audience development
through marketing and public relations,
alongside the learning activity.
The promotion of art projects and
programmes determines the size and types
of audiences, either attending or following
through media, especially online.
Also critical response, e.g. reviews,
is significantly influenced by marketing
and PR, according to how effectively they
convey the proposition of the art project
and the organising institution.
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Biennials and International Exhibitions
Master Diploma IED - CURATORIAL PRACTICE | Communication
Biennials, triennials and other international
exhibitions are increasingly important,
attracting large audiences to particular cities.
Often initiated to boost tourism or urban
renewal, they are platforms for current
artistic and curatorial practice, providing
audiences with an informed understanding
of aspects of contemporary art.
Operators in Contemporary Art System
Non-profit art organisations and
the commercial art world are mutually
connected, with an increasing strength
of the latter in the current globalised
economies, as shown by the rise of art fairs,
multinational galleries and auction houses.
A large number of art galleries now present
exhibitions that are as authoritative
as museums. This module analyses
the institutions dealing essentially with
the selling of art.
IED VENEZIA
FACULTY
PRACTICE
Based on real briefs, the last part of the
course is dedicated to curatorial practices
and project elaboration, in order
to design exhibitions that become part
of the students personal portfolio.
Final Project
Three months to elaborate and write
the Final Project, simulating a real work
experience in cooperation with other
students or individually. Assisted by a Tutor,
students will define and develop their
curatorial idea on a specific brief, arising
from the competences and knowledge
gathered during the Master course.
IED faculty consists entirely of professionals
able to teach theory and practice, through case
histories and project works in collaboration
with companies that allow participants to meet
directly the job market.
COORDINATOR
Jonathan Watkins
Jonathan Watkins has been Director of Ikon Gallery since 1999.
Previously he worked for a number of years in London, as Curator
of the Serpentine Gallery (1995-1997) and Director of Chisenhale Gallery
(1990-1995). He has curated a number of large international exhibitions
including the Biennale of Sydney (1998), Facts of Life: Contemporary
Japanese Art (Hayward Gallery, London 2001), Quotidiana (Castello
di Rivoli, Turin 1999, Tate Triennial (2003), Shanghai Biennale (2006),
Sharjah Biennial (2007), Negotiations (Today Art Museum, Beijing 2010)
and the Guangzhou Triennial (2012). He was on the curatorial team
for Europarte (Venice Biennale, 1997), Milano Europa 2000, (Palazzo
di Triennale, Milan 2000), and Riwaq (Palestinian Biennial 2007).
He curated the Iraqi Pavilion for the Venice Biennale 2013.
Jonathan Watkins has written extensively on contemporary art.
Recent essays by him have focused on the work of Giuseppe Penone,
Martin Creed, Semyon Faibisovich, Yang Zhenzhong, Noguchi Rika,
Caro Niederer, Beat Streuli and Cornelia Parker. He was the author
of the Phaidon monograph on Japanese artist On Kawara.
FACULTY MEMBERS
IED faculty includes very important curators and international professionals
operating in the contemporary art system.
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PRACTICAL INFORMATION
To start the admission process it is necessary
to fill in the registration form at ied.edu/enrolment
QUALIFICATION
Master Diploma IED - CURATORIAL PRACTICE | Communication
Attendance is mandatory.
At the end of the Master course, enrolled
students who successfully attended at least
80% of each course, receive a IED Diploma.
To get the certificate students must pass
all exams and demonstrate commitment
in developing a successful Final Project.
An examination board awards the students
final grade marked according to Italian
ranking reference system, min 66, max 110
with honors.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The Master course works as a valuable
specialisation for Italian and international
graduates who have completed a BA
degree or equivalent qualification, as well
as a remarkable professional experience
in the same field of study. Students who
have completed all the exams within
the Master courses starting date can apply.
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
This Master course is taught in English.
To ensure course contents are fully
understood, IED demands applicants a B2
level - equivalent to IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL IBT 68.
In order to demonstrate the required
language proficiency, non-native speakers
IED VENEZIA
have to submit a language certificate
or undergo a language test run by a IED
representative.
DEADLINE
Applicants are strongly suggested to complete
the enrolment process at least 30 days
before the beginning of the selected course.
ADMISSION PROCEDURE
To start the admission process it is
necessary to fill in the registration form
at ied.edu/enrolment.
Registration allows applicants to get
personal login details for the online
admission platform admission.ied.it
where they can fill in personal information
and upload the required documentation
to be admitted to a course.
A IED Advisor carefully supports students
during the application, selection and
enrolment processes. To be admitted
to a Master course, the following
documents are required:
Pre-enrolment form available online
within the applicants personal area;
Passport or ID for EU students;
Motivation letter in the language
of the chosen course;
CV;
Copy of applicants degree certificate
if already owned;
University transcripts;
Portfolio.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
The selection is based on the assessment
of CV, motivation letter and portfolio.
Enrolments are limited. An interview designed
to assess the skills acquired during previous
studies or professional experience, if any,
individual aptitudes and motivation to the
participation of the candidate is required.
An English language test could be scheduled
for those candidates who dont have a proper
certificate.
ENROLMENT PROCEDURE
Once admitted, candidates receive enrolment
form and school regulations to be signed
and uploaded in the Admission Area,
as well as payment receipt of enrolment fee.
All these criteria need to be fulfilled
to complete the enrolment process.
FEES
Total fees for a.y. 17/18 are 18.900,00
divided as follows:
3.000,00 enrolment fee
15.900,00 tuition fee
Every year IED promotes competitions
for student grants. For further information
please visit ied.edu/financial-aid.
ADMISSION CENTER
IED Admission Advisors offer steady
assistance to students asking for more
information. They help you to find out
more about IED and choose the best course,
providing detailed information on courses
organisation, contents, goals and future
job prospects.
ACCOMMODATION
IED provides support to all students
looking for accommodation through
dedicated service providers.
Most of the accommodation options
available are easy reachable from IED schools.
IED Admission Advisor may give further details.
Moreover, a constantly updated list
of accommodation options is available
at ied.edu/accommodation-in-venice.
OPEN DAYS
Open Days are great opportunities
to meet the coordinators, business partners
and IED staff, find out more about the
contents and professional opportunities
of a Masters programme at IED and take
a look at the school.
INFO
IED Venezia
Admission Center
Palazzo Franchetti, Campo Santo Stefano,
S. Marco, 2842 - 30124 Venezia
t. +39 041 2771164
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50 YEARS
OF EXPERIENCE
11 LOCATIONS
AROUND THE WORLD
10000 STUDENTS
Master Diploma IED - CURATORIAL PRACTICE | Communication

A YEAR
30% OF FOREIGN
STUDENTS
+100 NATIONALITIES
50 POST-DIPLOMA
THREE-YEAR
COURSES
+150 MASTER
AND SPECIALISATION
COURSES
IED VENEZIA

1900 PROFESSORS