A group of VAA students gather in the Department's Commons exhibition space.

Student Experience

MA, Visual Arts Administration

MA, Visual Arts Administration

VAA Student Spotlight

Visual Arts Administration students share what drew them to the program and how it has supported their professional goals.

A young woman with tan skin and dark hair sits, looking into the camera.

“I chose the VAA program to enhance my knowledge of the business of art, administrative processes, and tap into a network of experts in the field for mentorship and guidance."

— Alyse T. (VAA '26)

“One of my favorite courses was Law and the Visual Arts, where I explored the foundational principles of art law. I found the material especially compelling for its broad relevance across arts professions.” — Alyse T. (VAA '26)
A white woman with blonde hair smiles into the camera.

“The VAA program offered a way to engage deeply with the art world without being an artist myself, bridging my MBA background with my enduring love for the arts. It felt like the right second chapter—one that allows me to contribute meaningfully to the cultural landscape.” 

— Sara G. (VAA '27)

"Career Conversations has expanded my understanding of impact and affirmed that there is meaningful, necessary work happening behind the scenes that shapes how art is experienced and sustained.” — Sara G. (VAA '27)
A young woman with brown hair smiles in front of a tree.

“In Development of the Visual Arts, I gained a deeper understanding of how to diversify funding streams and build sustainable support for initiatives.”

— Isabela G. (VAA '26)

“I chose this program because its balance of strong cultural and administrative subjects with business courses creates a unique profile that I felt was very well positioned for arts administration today.” — Alonso G. (VAA '27)

Professional Development

Internships

Internships are hands-on opportunities for Visual Arts Administration students to prepare for leadership roles in museums, auction houses, galleries and other cultural institutions. VAA students have completed internships at a variety of museums and galleries, artist studios, publishing houses, and other arts organizations.

Learn more about internships.

Career Conversations

Featuring program alumni and leaders in the field of visual arts administration, Career Conversations serves as an interactive forum for VAA students to explore possible postgraduate paths and begin building their professional network.

Capstone

The MA in Visual Arts Administration culminates in a capstone project, a celebration of your growth and a platform for expressing your work. Whether you choose to develop an innovative arts business plan, curate a groundbreaking exhibition, or launch a hands-on community initiative, the capstone provides a springboard into your future career. Explore previous capstone projects.

Extracurricular Opportunities

Student Organizations

Deepen your engagement with Visual Arts Administration through student organizations. Whether you start a new initiative or put your own flair to a longstanding VAA club, student organizations are a great way to cultivate dynamic, collaborative learning outside the classroom. Student organizations are student-driven and supported by faculty and administrative staff. Past organizations have included the Art Business Society (ABS), other content (formerly the Curatorial Collective), and Advocates for Cultural Engagement (ACE).

Events

Engage with VAA students, alumni, faculty, and other leading figures in the field at exhibitions, symposia, and other public events throughout the year. Explore VAA's upcoming events and latest program news.