Curatorial Studies


Faculty List

  • Y. Gu, M.Phil., Ph.D. (London), Associate Professor 
  • E. Harney, M.A. (Harvard), M.A. (Washington), Ph.D. (London), Associate Professor
  • A. Irving, B.F.A. (Nova Scotia College of Art and Design), M.F.A. (York), Associate Professor, Teaching Stream
  • A. MacDonald, B.A. (York), AOCAD, Associate Professor, Teaching Stream
  • E. Webster, B.A., M.A. (Toronto), Ph.D. (Case Western Reserve), Associate Professor, Teaching Stream


ACM Program Manager: M. Hussain  Email: acm-pa@utsc.utoronto.ca

The Minor in Curatorial Studies is suspended to new enrolments. Students who are already enrolled in the Program should consult the 2019-20 Calendar.

Curatorial Studies Courses

CRTB01H3 - Introduction to Curating Art

An introduction to the theory, ethics and contexts of art museum/gallery curatorial practice. Emphasis on communication through exploring interpretations and considering ethical practice. Students will learn specialized knowledge, resources, references and methodologies and explore professional and academic responsibilities of art-based curatorial work.

Prerequisite: Any 2.0 credits at A-level
Exclusion: (VPHB72H3), FAH301H5, FAH310H5
Enrolment Limits: Restricted to students who have completed the A-level courses in the Major or Specialist programs in Art History, Arts Management, Studio Art, or Media Studies.
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature and Language
Note: Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Minor in Curatorial Studies. Additional students will be admitted as space permits.

CRTC72H3 - Art, the Museum, and the Gallery

Art and the settings in which it is seen in cities today. Some mandatory classes to be held in Toronto museums and galleries, giving direct insight into current exhibition practices and their effects on viewer's experiences of art; students must be prepared to attend these classes.
Same as VPHC72H3

Prerequisite: CRTB01H3 and CRTB02H3
Exclusion: VPHC72H3
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature and Language
Course Experience: Partnership-Based Experience

CRTC80H3 - Curator as Artist; Artist as Curator

Viewed from an artist’s perspective, this course considers the exhibition as medium, and curating as a creative act. By studying the history of exhibitions organized by artists and artist collectives, this course considers their influence on contemporary curatorial practice with a focus on historical and contemporary Canadian exhibitions.

Prerequisite: CRTB01H3
Enrolment Limits: 20
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature and Language
Note: Priority will be given to students enrolled in programs in Curatorial Studies, Art History and Visual Culture, Arts Management, Media Studies, and Studio Art.

CRTD43H3 - Curating Contemporary Art

Curatorial practice and the responsibilities of the curator, such as the intellectual and practical tasks of producing a contemporary art exhibition, researching Canadian contemporary art and artists, building a permanent collection, administrating a public art competition, and critical writing about works of visual art in their various contexts. Studio and/or gallery visits required.

Prerequisite: 11.0 credits including [VPHB39H3 and CRTB01H3 and CRTB02H3]
Exclusion: (VPHD43H3)
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature and Language
Course Experience: Partnership-Based Experience

CRTD44H3 - Curating Historical Art

Time and history bring different factors to our understanding and interpretation of artworks. Students will explore both intellectual and practical factors concerning curating historical art, from conservation, research, and handling issues to importance of provenance, collecting, and display, through workshops, critical writing and discussion, field trips, and guest speakers.

Prerequisite: 11.0 credits including [VPHB39H3, CRTB01H3 and CRTB02H3
Exclusion: (VPHD44H3)
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature and Language
Course Experience: Partnership-Based Experience

VPHB40H3 - Exhibiting Art

This course offers a critical look at ways of exhibiting art, including exploring the exhibitions and collection of the Doris McCarthy Gallery and the public sculptures located on campus. Through readings, discussions and site visits we will consider the nature of exhibitions, their audiences and current practices juxtaposed with investigations of the history and practice of display.

Prerequisite: VPHA46H3
Exclusion: VPSB73H3, (VPHB71H3), FAH310H
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature and Language
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

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