Contemporary Art (Taught)

Develop your expertise in art since 1968, examining the key movements, artistic tendencies, practices, and debates that have informed all aspects of contemporary art.

The MA in Contemporary Art is the longest running specialized Master’s program of its kind in the world. Established in 1991, it focuses on art in the period from 1968 to the present, with strands on art history, curatorial studies, and critical theory, and a strong emphasis throughout on professional career development. The program covers developments in contemporary art from around the world, examining a broad range of artistic practices and institutional structures, from the highly established to the most innovative. The program is designed for those who are fully committed to the study of contemporary art and who intend to pursue careers in the field. Graduates of this program have gone on to work at museums, commercial and not-for-profit galleries, auction houses, consultancies, journals, international art fairs, and universities.

Highlights
Experiential learning Visits and international study trips are significant learning events, with the travel, seeing the art in situ and informal access to tutors serving to intensify the experience.

Personal tutors and individual feedback Students are allocated a personal tutor who engages with their academic and professional progress in one-on-one meetings throughout the year.

Partnership with Chelsea College of Arts Curate shows at Chelsea’s Cookhouse Gallery featuring the work of students from Chelsea’s MA in Fine Arts.

Unique and specific projects For ‘The Project’, students work together in small groups on a project to create a hypothetical exhibition or a new art journal or webzine, culminating in a ‘shark tank’ style pitch of their ideas.

Renowned and inspiring speakers Previous guest speakers include artists Sonia Boyce (winner of the Golden Lion, Venice Biennale 2022); William Kentridge; Alfredo Jaar; Anthea Hamilton; Martin Creed; and Zarina Bhimji.