Royal College of Art Offers a New MA for Aspiring Curators

From October 2009, the Royal College of Art's Curating Contemporary Art Department will offer a new MA for aspiring curators from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. This development of Arts Council England's Inspire initiative will offer a vocational and academic curriculum with a professional placement in a museum or gallery over two years. Inspire at the RCA will provide a unique course of postgraduate study for those aiming to train as curators of contemporary art. A bursary of £12,000-£15,000 p.a. will be paid for each two-year studentship

Fourteen arts institutions across the country will each host a student, offering structured work-based learning. The placement will be combined with blocks of teaching at the RCA providing an ongoing, integrated academic component in the form of regular lectures, seminars, tutorials and exhibition projects. Overall, the MA will offer a critical examination of curatorial practice in contemporary art, focusing on the selection and presentation of exhibitions, the programming of public galleries and commissioning art for public spaces.

To apply you need to be a highly motivated individual from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background. You should have a good degree in a relevant subject or equivalent learning and experience. You should also have a real passion for contemporary art and visual culture, and be an excellent communicator.

The studentships are exempt from the Race Relations Act 1976 under sections 35 and 37. These exemptions allow for discrimination on the grounds of race and are aimed at reducing the under-representation of certain ethnic groups.

Closing date for completed applications: Monday 13 July 2009

For an application pack please visit:

[w] www.rca.ac.uk/inspire [w] www.artscouncil.org.uk/inspire [t] 020 7590 4507