The Knowledge of the Curator: New Directions in Art History & Curatorial Practice, University of Groningen, July 17–23, 2016

Museums, exhibitions, and cultural heritage sites are thriving as never before, offering new experiences of and knowledge about art, culture, and history to a growing public. Within this booming cultural infrastructure, the curator has emerged as a principal figure with a multifaceted role. Curators are expected to possess specialised expertise in their respective fields, make new acquisitions, develop cutting edge exhibitions, collaborate with artists, implement research initiatives, produce scholarship for both the academy and the general public, contribute to the discourse about global cultural heritage crises, employ innovative educational tools and strategies, support the digitization of collections, raise funding, and attract large crowds of visitors.

Intended for art historians aiming at a career in museums and cultural institutions, this summer school is devoted to the academic understanding, expertise, and skills required to meet these challenges. What knowledge does the curator need, and how can it be developed, critically reflected upon and expanded?

The Department of Art History at the University of Groningen, in collaboration with the Groninger Museum (known for its innovative and experimental exhibition practices), Göttingen University’s Curatorial Studies programme, and the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, offers a unique and innovative summer school programme that puts students in direct contact with internationally renowned scholars, museum directors, and curators, including special guest Prof. Ivan Gaskell (Bard Graduate Center, New York City).

In a curriculum that unites critical reading, thinking, and discussion with hands-on experience, the participants will

• be familiarized with recent theories and methods of an object centered art history
• develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills for a curatorial career
• bridge conventional boundaries between chronological periods, traditional genres, craft, and design as well as material and visual culture

In addition to lectures, presentations, and discussion, participants will create an exhibition with objects from the collection of the Groninger Museum and travel to Amsterdam to meet/work with curators on site.

Fees: € 500 (including housing); € 250 (excluding housing)