Contemporary Art Practice

This Contemporary Art Practice, M.A. course from Manipal Academy of Higher Education is the first program of its kind in India, which equips students with transdisciplinary skillsand knowledge to engage incontemporary art, cultural production, and societal issues in the region and transnationally.

The Contemporary Art Practice , M.A. course from Manipal Academy of Higher Education fosters students’ artistic and humanistic sensibilities and builds practical expertise forcareers in various arts and cultural organizations, including GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) institutions, as well as academia. The program promotes a global and historical context of artand encouragescommunity engagement for social impact, emphasizing the relationship of the arts (including contemporary art) to technologyand social justice.

Note: Applicants should apply to the MA courses if they intend to take up PGDP Finish. There is no separate application form for PGDP Finish; one can exit at the end of year 1 of MA with an award of a PG Diploma upon successfully completing the graduation requirements.

Career opportunities:

There is a strong demand within the Indian and international arts communities for skilled expertise in contemporary art practices. This program responds to such a demand by nurturing professionals for careers in galleries, museums, publishing, academia, and cultural institutions. Further, by embracing transdisciplinary pedagogies, the program builds new discourse across the arts and humanities. Specific opportunities and career prospects for graduates include the following:

GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) Sector: Artists, curators, and researchers trained in history, art history, and cultural studies seeking to work in galleries, museums, archives, and libraries with digital humanities focus.

Not-for-Profit Organizations: Individuals interested in working with grant-making organizations, art foundations, and governmental and non-governmental sectors.

Academia: Public scholars keen on pursuing doctoral studies and publicly engaged academic careers, including art and design programs, teaching and learning centers, and centers for the humanities.

Publishing: Writers and artists interested in extending their practice into scholarship through publishing with diverse media and open-access platforms.

Independent Artistic Practice: Artists working in the visual arts, media and communications, community practices, and critical technology studies wishing to make contributions to art and design festivals and biennials.

Courses include:

• Core Seminars, Electives, and Allied Courses

• Research Studio and Project-based Mentorship

• Academic Writing

• Arts and Culture Collaborations

• Artist in Residence

• Knowledge Enhancement and Skill-based Workshops

• Culminating Performances of Understanding (Portfolio, Transdisciplinary Research, Projects, Colloquium, Capstone or Dissertation)