Cultural curators not only reflect on meaning but contribute to debates and new understandings. The cultural curator is increasingly both a knowledge creator and a communicator. As knowledge creator s/he experiments with different formats, different ways of experiencing while creating different meanings. The contemporary curator challenges old formats by re-inventing novel ones that often build on history and previous experiences. As a communicator s/he is able to convey the rich curatorial data to a larger public both on- and offline. So, curating today means also taking care of (im)material culture, of social relationships, urban interactions and of cultural politics.
Description
In the China-EU Cultural Curatorship Studies Postgraduate Programme, University of Antwerp aims to provide prospective Chinese and European students the knowledge and skills to become contemporary curators in the art, cultural and/or artisanal sector. It focuses on translation and cultural mediation between Asian and European cultural and political traditions.
The programme is situated at the intersection of (social, political, economic and ecological) context, culture and creativity with a main focus on hands-on experience. It combines a unique blend of insights, perspectives, methods and tools. The basic premise of the programme is to endorse the powerful resources of cultural diversity, arts, craftsmanship and creativity in the contemporary society of disruptive transition. It teaches students to use culture as a critical toolbox and as a base of society to reflect and act upon contemporary social challenges. And it helps to understand local cultural policy contexts.
Program
The programme aligns with article 8 of the Unesco’s Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity cultural goods are ‘vectors of identity, values and meanings, not mere commodities or consumer goods’.
The postgraduate is a one year-programme of 55 ECTS:
- In semester 1 both Chinese and European students attend lectures and workshops at the University of Antwerp.
- In semester 2 students will test their curatorial knowledge and skills in an organization, cooperation or company in either Europe (for Chinese students) or China (for European students)
In semester 1 Chinese and European students attend lectures and workshops together, given by both academics and practitioners.
- At the City Campus of the University of Antwerp.
- The programme is taught in English and the course materials will be provided in English.
- 16,5 contact hours per week.
In semester 2 students will test their curatorial knowledge and skills in an organization, cooperation or company.
- European students will be able to go to China, where they can do an internship in an independent art center, NGO that protects endangered fauna and flora, etc.
- Chinese students have the chance to gain curatorial experience in an artists’ collective, a gallery of fine art, a food photography’s studio, a floral art studio, fashion designer, etc.
Remarks
The programme will start from the academic year 2021-2022 (and not in 2020-2021 as was communicated earlier).
Interested candidates from non-EEA countries must submit a file to the academic coordinator, Ching Lin Pang, by April 1 2021. For EEA students the deadline is July 15 2021.
