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Sandra Lang

Clinical Associate Professor of Visual Arts Administration

Art and Art Professions

212-998-5700

Sandra (Sandy) Lang is the Program Director of the M.A. in Visual Arts Administration and Clinical Associate Professor. A leading expert in the history of corporate collecting in the United States, Sandy was the longtime Director of The Museum of Modern Art’s Art Advisory Service, advising corporations on acquisitions and maintaining an extensive network of CEOs, senior officials, and art curators from many institutions. Sandy is also a past Executive Director of Independent Curators International (ICI) and of the International Fine Print Dealers Association (IFPDA). A tireless teacher and mentor to NYU’s vibrant student and alumni bodies, Sandy speaks widely on curatorial practice, creative placemaking, and pedagogy in arts administration. She has also served previously as board member of the Association of Arts Administration Educators (AAAE) and as past president of both ArtTable and the Association of Professional Art Advisors (APAA).

Programs

Visual Arts Administration

Learn how to be a dynamic leader in the visual arts field. Our Visual Arts Administration program was the first in the nation to focus on visual arts management careers in both traditional and alternative contexts.

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Courses

Business and the Visual Arts

Provides a comprehensive understanding of the diverse ways the visual arts and business intersect in the United States and abroad. Traditional corporate art programs are examined, as well as new models pertaining to today’s style of management and more technologically-oriented businesses as well as the real estate, hospitality and healthcare industries. Examination of how art in the work place matches the culture and philosophy of a business or corporation and how they are successfully used as a tool in branding, public relations, client development, community outreach, and 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 and guest lecturers from professionals in the field.
Course #
ARVA-GE 2118
Credits
3
Department
Art and Art Professions

Curatorial Practice

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 and determining communications strategy.
Course #
ARVA-GE 2911
Credits
1 - 4
Department
Art and Art Professions

Final Project in Visual Arts Administration

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.
Course #
ARVA-GE 2301
Credits
1 - 3
Department
Art and Art Professions

Research in Visual Arts Administration

Students research key issues that impact global art production and its reception through readings across disciplines (art history, criticism, sociology, etc.) Student analysis drives the discussion in each session. Competency in the subject and learning new research skills is built via written, oral, and a/v assignments. The final assignment is a project proposal related to the section’s theme, approved by the instructor, and completed in ARVA-GE 2301 (Spring).
Course #
ARVA-GE 2299
Credits
2
Department
Art and Art Professions

The Environment of Visual Arts Administration

Introduction to the elements and participants affecting visual arts organizations in the United States. In addition to examining the position of the artist in society, the course analyzes the cultural environment in which art and arts organizations operate and the structure and management of organization that present artwork, - in both non profit and commercial venues. Students study the particular intersections between for profit and non profit areas in the visual arts as well as the strategies and techniques needed to manage visual arts organizations effectively. The course addresses the whole art system and how various elements/organizations/individuals interact and influence one another
Course #
ARVA-GE 2030
Credits
3
Department
Art and Art Professions

Visual Arts Market

Development of a business in the fine arts including core vision, program and presentation, promotion, marketing, sales, contracts, and financial planning. Examination of what differentiates an arts business from other kinds of businesses. Students gain exposure to variety of professionals in the commercial arena of the visual arts including gallerists, dealers, and consultants. The course concludes with the formulation and presentation of a comprehensive business plan for a start up arts business.
Course #
ARVA-GE 2076
Credits
3
Department
Art and Art Professions