Courses

The course examines the history of the discipline from its early years in Europe – with Futurism, Dada, Surrealism, the Bauhaus and Russian Constructivism -- to its current manifestations, including material from China, Korea, the Americas, and the Global South. Structured chronologically, students examine concepts and themes, including the role of the body as material, gender, and identity; performance as protest; as live experience in a media saturated world; and its interface with the public. Students view performances, lead seminar discussions, and complete two assignments related to course material.

An overview of the many varied issues involved in the commerce of art, including the pricing and marketing of a wide number of art objects from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Different types of professions and their specific needs for determining the value of art will be examined. The impact of emerging markets and technologies and the impact on the business of art will be covered.

How to collect art for both private and public collections. Factors of aesthetics, taste, and economics are discussed as well as the historic development of collections since the Renaissance. Special attention is given to corporate collections and collecting for investment. Guest lectures.

The evolution of alternative spaces in New York City from the 1950s through the early 1990s. Critically investigates varying definitions to the term "alternative," and considers the impact of new art forms/new ideas upon the nonprofit and for profit sectors of the art world at that time. Students learn about the work of emerging, underrepresented, established artists whose art reflects cultural and stylistic diversity. Students gain insight into how administrators serve both their artists and constituencies and respond to the changing needs of their communities.

Arts organizations rely on the support and sponsorship of public and private agencies and individuals. This course focuses on current issues and approaches to building public understanding and legislative support for the arts, and examines the context and growth of arts advocacy in the U.S. Students will develop hands-on skills to initiate and sustain effective relationships with policy makers and other arts stake holders. Topics include cultural policy, the arts economy, political structures and processes, coalition building, cultural diplomacy, as well as internet and media advocacy.

Overview of the multifaceted experience of being a solo art dealer, owning a gallery or being part of a gallery team. Topics include working with and establishing a name for artists; placing works in collections; developing relationships with collectors; working with auction houses, art fairs, and biennials; marketing and publicity; and exploring how galleries best work with museums and other non-profit organizations. Students develop a focused understanding of the art dealer’s/gallerist’s role in the global art world and learn how to manage art galleries.

Investigates the processes of art galleries and museums employ to expand visitorship, membership, attendance and support. The course will examine professional practices in constituency identification and analyze audience members' values and lifestyles as they pertain to consumer and visitor decision making. Students will study the methods used in preparing creative marketing strategies, visitor surveys and membership drives. Through practical review of audience needs assessments, the course will prepare students to create programs, expand audience and meet community interests.

Provides a comprehensive understanding of the diverse ways the visual arts & business intersect in the United States & abroad. Traditional corporate art programs are examined, as well as new models pertaining to today’s style of management & more technologically-oriented businesses as well as the real estate, hospitality & healthcare industries. Examination of how art in the work place matches the culture & philosophy of a business or corporation & how they are successfully used as a tool in branding, public relations, client development, community outreach, & human resources. Attention is paid to the marketing benefits accrued to a corporation when it engages in a visual arts effort, be it through collecting, museums, exhibitions, art education programs, artist/exhibition sponsorship, communications or technology. On-site visits & guest lecturers from professionals in the field.

The responsibility of the registrar or collections manager in a museum. Issues to be explored will include accessioning procedures, cataloguing systems and information management, collections storage and handling, development of collections policies, tracking and packing, insurance and risk management, and legal and ethical foundations for gifts and loan agreements.

Course investigates art education as deployed through art organization partnerships with contemporary artists as a means to instigate dialogue with local communities. Topics include social justice, object-based learning, and the broader cultural context surrounding art education. Through critical reading/discussion and site visits, students form an approach to community collaboration and situate themselves within practitioner debates about art’s broader relevance. Literature includes sociology of culture, contemporary art theory, museum education, and museum studies.

Course focuses on strategies involved in developing corporate sponsorships in the arts. Various sponsorship case studies between corporations and non-profit arts organizations are analyzed as marketing tools to build the sponsor’s business, raise brand awareness, as well as align with and increase institutional support. Principles of strategic marketing and practical tools are presented through readings, assignments and discussions tied to effective writing to a potential sponsor, benefits offered and other tactical tips to secure sponsorship today.

Examines how branding for arts organizations communicates a distinctive role, relevance and identity to convey a clear institutional message. Rising media costs, ever increasing options for leisure-time activities, and the shift from philanthropic to brand-focused corporate support combine to create an imperative for clarity and impact in arts marketing activities. Theoretical business frameworks, case studies and guest speakers, effective strategies to engage target audiences and build a sustainable identity are analyzed.

Explores the creative and practical aspects of curating contemporary art. Students will devise an exhibition proposal to be presented in the project space at 80WSE Gallery. Students will be introduced to curators, explore a variety of current exhibitions, and discuss expanded curatorial approaches and counter-exhibition histories. Other assignments include developing an exhibition budget, devising a design/installation plan and determining communication strategies.design/installation plan & determining communications strategy.

Introduction to a wide range of development techniques for securing contributed income, including foundation, government and corporate grants and sponsorships; gifts from individuals through memberships, major gifts, planned giving and special events; and capital and endowment campaigns. Critical issues include how to identify potential donors, the solicitation process and support materials needed to 'make the ask,' the donor's perspective.

Examines how arts organizations use networked
technologies and digital media in the development and fulfillment of their missions. Students consider the creative, theoretical, and practical implications of integrating various technologies from
multiple perspectives. Students gain an understanding of the ever-shifting landscape of social media and digital marketing, digital-born artworks, emerging technologies, e-commerce, and the role of digital in confronting issues of social justice and racial equity.

Course focuses on the fundamentals of applied microeconomics to the production, pricing, selling, and reselling of works of art. Topics include the production economics of the artist’s studio and analysis of art markets in terms of supply and demand, property rights, and other concepts from microeconomics and related business strategy. The course applies economic analysis to for-profits (galleries and auction houses), non-profits (museums), and hybrid models (technology-driven start-ups/artist-led social-practice)

An exploration of the history and development of art education and its role and function in the museum. Strategies for teaching and addressing different populations in various environments are studied. Various programs and educational materials are explored and analyzed. Classroom lectures are supplemented by site visits.

Concepts, procedures, materials, and tools necessary for producing and managing exhibition projects in museums, cultural centers, and galleries. Space planning, traffic flow, object placement, use of graphic elements, interpretive techniques, and participatory and interactive strategies are discussed. Students will learn the skills of sketching, drafting, and model making by designing an exhibition layout, graphic, and sample label.

Final Project supports project proposals approved in ARVA-GE 2299. Each week students present work-in-progress for insight and reflection, and deepen their understanding of their concepts and the concepts of their classmates. Students appreciate how project development is an evolving process, and master their topic area, build time management skills, vital for successful leadership in the arts. The semester culminates in a public showcase of completed projects in a Department event.

The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the concepts of financial reporting, the language of business, and its underlying assumptions as applied within the arts administration context. We will discuss the uses and limitations of the financial statements. Procedural aspects of accounting will be discussed in order to enhance your understanding of the content of the financial statements. The emphasis of the class is on using accounting information in the evaluation of business performance and risk in the arts.