Gallery Management Certificate of Achievement

The course is an introduction to two- and three-dimensional art from a multicultural perspective. Art in a historical and worldwide context, the function of art in society, art processes, and visual vocabulary are examined. Students will develop an increased appreciation of the differences and similarities among the styles, content, and expression of world art. (Formerly ART 103)

This course will discuss the history of museums and their present and future. Students will acquire a comprehensive foundation in exhibition design, collections management, public programming, and administration. They will enter contemporary debates surrounding the responsibility of the 21st-century museum alongside the exploration of standards and best practices. This introductory class will give students a general understanding of what goes into making and running a museum and the roles they can play in society. Students can anticipate understanding what the museum is, the role of external forces and stakeholders, and insight into the factors of running a museum or gallery today.

This course will introduce the "business of the arts," providing an overview of the careers in arts management, the type of work that arts managers do, and the current issues and trends impacting arts management professionals. The arts and cultural fields are increasingly collaborative and cross-disciplinary. Consequently, this course will draw on foundational professional business skills while developing creativity in understanding and presenting arts. The arts can shape individuals, engage current social issues, and build communities. Art administrators are expected to deliver a well-balanced approach to facilitate the arts sustainably and equitably. Designed with a strong emphasis on the practical skills required for the successful management of public, private, and commercial art institutions in the field, we will study, consider, and discuss examples of successful art projects, learn about not-for-profit structures, audience development, budgeting, and marketing, and understand how to plan, organize, and realize art events, projects, and exhibitions.

This course will introduce students to the role of the arts marketer's responsibility to bridge the gap between art audiences, markets, and communities. Designed with a focus on the fundamental concepts and their practical implementation, topics of study will include targeting audiences; developing print and online campaigns; designing, writing, implementing, and distributing promotional materials; and public image enhancement through community relations, strategic partnerships, grassroots initiatives, press coverage, promotion, merchandising, sponsorship and enacting special events. Discussion of examples and cases will help illustrate theory applications and the full spectrum of the "art experience" from the audience's perspective.

This course invites students to critically examine how cultures have been analyzed and valued around the world. Students will closely study how groups make meanings from objects and practices to understand better how to see, visualize, and interpret the globe and engage with urgent social, cultural, and political issues. Key concepts such as race, gender, language, and migration will be discussed, deepening foundational knowledge of global objects and practices, including painting, sculpture, metalwork, architecture, installations, exhibitions, advertisements, photography, film and performance.

This practicum course allows the student to apply knowledge and develop professional skills while interacting with other professionals in a gallery, museum, or arts and culture collaborative. Students mentor with professionals at institutions and are expected to complete 80 contact hours at the assigned placement and participate in weekly meetings with the faculty supervisor. Students conduct research applying a JEDI (justice, equity, diversity and inclusion), DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion), or cultural studies lens to assess areas of their institution. Areas of professional experience and of research may include but are not limited to: Communications and Marketing; Education; Curation; Design; Conservation and Restoration; Registrar; Management; Development; Visitor Services and Public Programming. This course is required for the Gallery Management Certificate of Achievement.