MA Curating Art and Public Programmes

The programme offers current and relevant theoretical knowledge and understanding in the field of curating contemporary art, as well as a range of work-based learning opportunities, developing high-quality curators with an applied and relevant skillset. It provides students with hands-on experience of a working, vibrant public gallery such as the Whitechapel Gallery, renowned for its pioneering exhibitions of modern and contemporary art and public events programme. Students are placed in professional networks from the outset, providing an excellent foundation for their future careers.

Employability

Employability has been carefully considered for this programme, as one of its main aims is to offer students professional avenues into the artworld and creative industries more widely and support them to achieve professional success within this challenging and demanding context. The course offers transferable skills throughout as well as opportunities to engage with other industry partners and wider networks.

Being industry-facing, engaging directly with employers and interfacing courses with real-world communities are key tenets of London South Bank University.

Students from a similar programme devised by the Whitechapel Gallery, upon completion of the course, were employed at the following prestigious art organisations: Alexis Hunter Estate, Arcade Gallery, Arebyte, Art Gene, Art Logic, Ben Uri Gallery, Bonhams, Camden Arts Centre, Contini Art Gallery, CREATE London, Design Museum, Frieze, Gillian McVey PR, October Gallery, Open Gallery, Pickles PR, Royal Overseas League, Sutton PR, Sotheby’s, V.A.C. Foundation, White Cube Gallery, Whitechapel Gallery.

It is also possible for graduates from this programme to continue their research by registering for a PhD.

Teaching and learning

All programme outcomes are being delivered by a mixture of theoretical and applied modules, through an integrated ‘practice into theory’ approach.

The theoretical modules are delivered through lectures, seminars and tutorials and will feature guest lecturers and contributions from high profile industry professionals in the field, through the Whitechapel Gallery’s rich professional networks.

The applied modules are primarily delivered through work-based learning methodologies at the Whitechapel Gallery, which also include site visits, case studies and workshops. LSBU uses Moodle as its VLE.

Students will also have access to exhibition studios and lecture rooms at both LSBU and Whitechapel.

The programme is managed by Dr. Nayia Yiakoumaki, the Whitechapel Gallery’s Head of Curatorial Studies and Curator, and Dr. Geoff Cox, the LSBU Course Director and co-Director of the Centre for the Study of the Networked Image.