The graduate program at the Center for Curatorial Studies, Bard College (CCS Bard) is an intensive course of study in the history of contemporary art, the institutions and practices of exhibition making, and the theory and criticism of contemporary art since the 1960s. The program is broadly interdisciplinary and provides practical training and experience within a museum setting. Its international faculty includes curators and other museum professionals, scholars in the humanities and social sciences, artists, and critics. The two-year curriculum is specifically designed to deepen students’ understanding of the intellectual and technical tasks of curating exhibitions and projects around contemporary art, particularly within the complex social and cultural situations of present-day arts institutions, as well as focusing intensively on interpretive and critical writing. CCS Bard provides generous scholarship and fellowship support to international students and U.S. citizens alike on the basis of financial need and academic merit. More on aid and scholarships here. CCS Bard initiated its graduate program in curatorial studies in the Fall of 1994. Hundreds of illustrious curators, critics, scholars, artists, and other art professionals have taught seminars or lectured in practicums and courses since the program began. CCS Bard alumni/ae now include over 300 figures working prominently in the field in the U.S. and abroad. How to Apply DEADLINE – February 1
  1. A brief (700 – 900 words) statement of purpose describing your interest in the graduate program, goals that you would like to achieve while at CCS Bard, previous academic and professional preparation, and familiarity with contemporary art issues and related discourses.
  2. A brief (500-700 words) proposal for a curated project that you would like to realize. Include a list of suggested works.
  3. A curriculum vitae.
  4. Official transcripts from undergraduate institutions, sent directly to CCS Bard.
  5. Two [2] letters of recommendation (see below for instructions on how to register your recommenders using the online application).
Begin An Application Website link: https://ccs.bard.edu/school/application-information
CuratorialEducationScholarship