Arts Admin students sitting in front of Cloud Gate (The Bean)
Arts Administration & Policy

MA in Arts Administration & Policy

Master of Arts in Arts Administration Application and Admissions Information

  • Reduced Application Fee Deadline: December 1—$45 Application Fee
    Application Deadline: January 10—$90 Application Fee
    Apply Online 

    If you are also interested in applying to the Modern & Contemporary Art History program, please ONLY submit a single application to the Dual Degree: Modern & Contemporary Art History AND Arts Administration and Policy. 

  • A conferred four-year baccalaureate degree or its equivalent is required for admission to all graduate programs at SAIC. Transcripts are records of your studies that list the courses you completed, the grades received, and provide evidence of degree conferral. They may include grade sheets, exam results, final diplomas, degrees, or graduation certificates. Official copies are issued in the original language directly by your university. Copies must bear the official stamp or seal of the institution, as well as the signature of the appropriate official such as the dean, rector, registrar, controller of examinations, or office of teaching affairs. Photos, notarized copies, facsimiles, or email transmissions are not acceptable.

    Official translations are expected for all educational documents issued in a language other than English. A translation agency or university language department should issue official translations typed on official stationary and the translator must attest proficiency in the original language and indicate their translations are accurate word-for-word. 

    During the application process an unofficial transcript is acceptable for review pending an Admissions decision. Official transcripts are required upon admission. Include transcripts both official and unofficial from all universities/colleges from which a degree was obtained or prerequisites were fulfilled. You can attach unofficial transcripts as .pdf or .jpg files in the Educational History section of the application form. If you are in the process of completing a bachelor's degree when you apply, a transcript showing your first three years of study is acceptable.

    Transcripts are considered official if sent directly from the degree- or credit-granting institution to the SAIC Graduate Admissions Office. Hard copy transcripts are considered official if the documents remain in the registrar's original signed and sealed envelopes. Official transcripts can be sent both in digital and hard-copy format. Digital transcripts can be sent from the degree- or credit-granting institution to gradmiss@saic.edu. 

    Hard copy transcripts can be mailed to:
    SAIC Graduate
    36 S. Wabash Ave., Suite 1201
    Chicago, IL 60603

    Students admitted to a graduate program who have not received a high school diploma, GED or equivalent are not eligible for federal Title IV financial aid funds. 

  • Write a 500- to 700-word statement of purpose that describes the history of your interests and experiences in Arts Administration, your personal and professional motivations and goals, and your reasons for pursuing graduate study at SAIC, and thoughts on potential future directions.

    You will upload your statement of purpose in your application portal.

  • Two letters of reference are required.

    Additional Reference Details

    You are responsible for securing letters of recommendation from persons who are qualified to write about your potential for success at SAIC. If you are currently a student or are a recent graduate, we recommend you request letters of recommendation from current or former instructors.

    Letters of recommendation should be submitted electronically via the Letters of Recommendation section in each program-specific application. In the Recommendations section click Add Recommender, where you will be asked to provide an email address and other details for each of your references. Once you click "Send To Recommender" an email will be sent from your application portal to your references, with instructions on how to submit their recommendations securely through our online portal.

    If your references are unable to provide an online recommendation please contact the Graduate Admissions office at gradmiss@saic.edu.

  • A résumé is required for all graduate programs. Upload your résumé in the Résumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV) section of your application form.

  • Submit a sample of your critical writing, up to 2,000 words in length. This can be either an essay assignment from a previous course of study, a well-considered response to hot topics in the field, an excerpt from a longer research paper, or a recently published article. Text documents must be in .pdf format (up to 10MB each).

    Applicants are required to submit the critical writing sample in your application portal. 

    Submission specifications:

    • Text documents: MUST be in .pdf format (up to 10 MB each)

  • TOEFL IBT minimum 100 (for tests completed before January 21, 2026)
    TOEFL IBT minimum 5 (for tests completed after January 21, 2026) 

    IELTS: 7

    DUOLINGO: 120

    International applicants are required to submit evidence of English language proficiency. You are waived from this requirement if you meet any of the following conditions:

    • Your native language is English
    • You have an undergraduate degree conferred by a US accredited university
    • You have an undergraduate degree conferred by a university whose primary language of instruction is English

    If you do not meet one of these conditions, you must submit official English language proficiency test scores. You are strongly encouraged to schedule a language proficiency test appointment as early as possible in order to receive official test scores prior to the application deadline.

    SAIC accepts official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and Duolingo. The TOEFL Institution Code for SAIC is 1713. Please upload an unofficial copy of your test score results to the International Requirements section of the application form.

  • The department conducts interviews by invitation only. Applicants who pass the preliminary review will be invited to schedule an interview in mid-February. Notification will be sent by late January. For students at a distance or unable to travel, interviews may be conducted remotely.

MA Arts Administration

The true art of arts administration is an intelligent elasticity: an ability to respond to art, artist, and intention; to adjust platforms for expression as needs outgrow and circumvent them; and to remain always nimble, ethical, conversational, and visionary enough to navigate the frontiers where status quo meets change.

 Our Students:
  • Have hailed (to date) from North America, South America, Central America, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
  • Arrive with backgrounds in visual arts; dance; music; theater; cultural studies; art history; social sciences; law; philosophy; political science; education; social services; hospitality; urban studies; youth activism; social justice; social entrepreneurship; and more.
  • Often work full-time jobs during their studies. They can be found at arts and cultural institutions throughout Chicago, and in leadership positions across the school and the museum, including the Office of Civic Engagement; the Sullivan Galleries; and Special Collections. To facilitate students' learning alongside work lives and cultural engagement, we schedule as many required classes and activities as possible in the evening.
  • Have created wide ranging theses and thesis projects, such as “Adaptive Capacity: Necessary Components & Strategies for Contemporary Non-Profit Arts and Cultural Organizations”, “New Imaginations for the Role of the Museum Trustee”, “Following the Crowd: Understanding Donors Through Virtual Fundraising“, “Working at the Line: Three Studies of Arts Administration at the U.S.-Mexico Border”, “Balancing Dichotomies: Visioning an art administration paradigm for India”, “Racing Culture: Exploring Race, Inclusion and Equity in Arts Institutions”, “A Parallel World: Hip Hop Dance in China”, “Transferability of East Asian Arts Festivals in Rural Areas: Community Revitalization Through Creative Placemaking in Mainland China, Taiwan, and Japan”, “Creative Social Enterprise in Scotland: An Exploration of how Glasgow's Creative Social Enterprises Contribute to the Social Economy”, and “Rethinking Radio: Storytelling as Civic Activism”.  

Curriculum Overview

Critical and Cultural Policy Studies

9

  • ARTSAD 5005 Activating Arts Admin.: Key Frameworks (3)
  • ARTSAD 6018 Spheres of Cultural Evaluation (3)

Choose either:

  • ARTSAD 5505 Law, Politics, & the Arts (3)
    or ARTSAD 5510 Topics in Digital Arts Administration (3)

 

Leadership and Management Studies

15

  • ARTSAD 5100 ProSeminar: Leadership Talks (3)
  • ARTSAD 5054 Management Studio I (3)
  • ARTSAD 5055 Management Studio II (3)
  • ARTSAD 5017 Financial Management (3)
  • ARTSAD 6040 Communicating for Cultural Change (3)

 

Research and Professional Practice

6

  • ARTSAD 5200 Research Studio (3)
  • ARTSAD 6095 Thesis (3)

 

Electives

12

Completion of thesis

 

Total Credit Hours

42

Degree requirements and specifications

  1. Completion schedule: Students have a maximum of four years to complete the degree. This includes time off for leaves of absence. Thesis in Progress: Students who have not submitted a finished thesis for review and approval by the end of the final semester of enrollment are given a Thesis in Progress grade (IP). All students with a Thesis in Progress grade (IP) will be charged the Thesis in Progress Fee in each subsequent full semester until the thesis is completed and approved and the grade is changed to Credit (CR). If the statute of limitations is reached without an approved thesis, the grade will be changed to No Credit (NCR).
  2. Internships: Students without solid professional experience are strongly encouraged to do internship placements, whether for credit or not. AAP Department faculty are available to advise and assist in identifying and securing placements.
  3. Transfer credits: A minimum of 36 credit hours must be completed in residence at SAIC. Up to six transfer credits may be requested at the time of application for admission and are subject to approval at that time. No transfer credit will be permitted after a student is admitted.
  4. Curriculum: The program requires 42 credit hours.
  5. Enrollment: Nine credit hours constitutes full-time enrollment, although as many as 15 credit hours may be earned in any semester. Two semesters of full-time status are required of all students when they begin the program; thereafter a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester are required for continued enrollment in the program.
  6. Full-time Status Minimum Requirement: 9 credit hours.

Courses

Title Catalog Instructor Schedule

Description

The life of an artist is largely self-directed and self-managed. Reflecting on our current gig economy, we know that artists have always been considered the original gig workers tasked with managing an active studio practice, alongside multiple jobs and projects. DIY: Self-Management for Artists looks to the inherent management tools embodied in artistic practice, as a theoretical and practical framework to apply toward managing a sustainable and purposeful professional and personal life. This class will explore listening and critical feedback, project development and management, marketing and branding strategy, strategic planning, negotiation, building and maintaining networks, and portfolio development.

Readings will vary, and include articles and excerpts from: How to do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell, The Art of Gathering: How we Meet and Why it Matters by Priya Parker, Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek, Critical Response Process: A Method for Getting Useful Feedback on Anything you Make from Dance to Dessert by Liz Lerman; The Artist?s Guide: How to Make a Living Doing What You Love by Jackie Battenfield, Making: Your Life as an Artist by Andrew Simonet, Living and Sustaining a Creative Life: Essays by 40 Working Artists by Sharon.Loudon

Course work will vary but will include readings and critical writing responses throughout the semester, the development of a written project scope, regular class presentations and a final project on one aspect of a student's portfolio.

Class Number

1088

Credits

3

Department

Arts Administration and Policy

Location

MacLean 620

Description

This seminar introduces and develops professional practices for students pursuing a freelance career in comics, illustration, animation, or the like. By creating promotional material, portfolios, contracts, and invoices, students learn how to market themselves as freelance artists. In tandem with learning the ins and outs of industry standards, they have access to insight and advice from a variety of guest speakers whose careers and professional paths have paved the way for future creators.

Readings will vary but typically include 'The Freelancer's Bible: Everything You Need to Know to Have the Career of Your Dreams- On Your Terms' by Sara Horowitz, 'The Graphic Artist Guild Pricing and Ethical Guidelines Handbook,' and 'Burn Your Portfolio' by Michael Janda.

Students will create, revise, workshop, and submit a variety of professional documents that culminate in a compendium over the course of the semester. These are all documents that will prove to be necessary for a freelancing career. There will be weekly responses to readings, and rotating guest speakers to provide in-sight on their professional journeys.

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: Sophomore seminar course

Class Number

1573

Credits

3

Department

Arts Administration and Policy

Area of Study

Books and Publishing, Comics and Graphic Novels

Location

Lakeview - 206

Description

This course will prepare students for developing project proposals in various contexts ranging from informal collaborations with artist run spaces to formal grant applications. We will focus not only the process of conceptualizing a project idea and persuasively organizing the necessary content around it, but also explore the pragmatic aspects of carrying it out and interfacing collaboratively with an art space, an institution, or other artists. In addition to workshopping the various elements needed for a hypothetical project, students will be required to conceptualize, propose and execute a proposal of some scale at the end of the semester to put into practice the skills and ideas explored in the course. In doing so, we will use the project proposal as a means to understand the broader ecosystem of the artworld and the different roles people play within them: artist, curator, programmer, institution, non-profit infrastructure, commercial and corporate factors, and more. Chicago?s landscape of artists, institutions and DIY spaces will provide ample case studies and first hand know-how for us to tap into as we build an understanding of the interrelationships between an artistic practice and the space within which it is presented or contextualized.

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: Sophomore seminar course

Class Number

1574

Credits

3

Department

Arts Administration and Policy

Location

MacLean 111

Description

We all have something that we do to offset stress and practice care for the self, be it jogging, knitting, reading, or meeting with friends. Care is a radical action. This course will look at care for the individual and care for the community as a strategy for art-making in the studio. Students will discuss self-care strategies that work for them and bring those strategies into the studio. The culminating project will be presenting a plan of action for continued self-care at SAIC and beyond with concrete examples of these strategies at play in the student's studio work. Students will work on a series of small sample projects throughout the semester in preparation for a final presentation of a finished piece. We will look to alternative models of evaluation and build our own unique dynamic approach to critiquing these pieces.

Students will practice self-care by participating in the class reading group to discuss texts including All About Love by Bell Hooks, Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Marie Brown, Conversation with Mike Kelley, Keith Harring's Journals, Eva Hesse's notes and more. Texts will be selected to best reflect the student's interests and studio practices. We will look at artists and practitioners who bring care into their work across disciplines including Shana Moulton (film and performance), Aram Han Sifuentes (craft and participation), H. Melt (poetry and writing), Adrian Piper (research) and more. Students will be asked to contribute significantly to an extended bibliography of care for the class to share beyond the Spring semester.

This course includes weekly text discussions, small group critiques on sample pieces and culminates in a full class critique of a self directed final project. Ideas for this project will be supported through individual meetings with the instructor and visiting guest self care experts.

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: Sophomore seminar course

Class Number

1572

Credits

3

Department

Arts Administration and Policy

Area of Study

Art/Design and Politics, Community & Social Engagement

Location

Lakeview - 1427

Description

This interdisciplinary seminar introduces, deepens and extends writing skills and helps to develop concepts that can sustain, guide and propel artistic practice after graduation. Central to the class is the professional completion of two grant applications, followed by a mock jury event that simulates actual jurying procedure. In conjunction with the applications, students write artist statements and develop project proposals. We also discuss how the arts and the public intersect, whether in popular opinion, historic context or professional settings. This includes an assessment of the relations of artists and audiences, artists and administrators and curators, and artists and critics.

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: Sophomore seminar course

Class Number

1571

Credits

3

Department

Arts Administration and Policy

Area of Study

Public Space, Site, Landscape

Location

MacLean 608

Description

This course is a multidisciplinary seminar that will present strategies for developing and sustaining your own studio practice and help prepare you for life after art school. It will provide practical instruction in getting started on and succeeding with your career after graduation and help you gain a critical understanding of your own artwork or creative endeavor and it's relationship to the larger cultural moment. The student will have the opportunity to create a cohesive body of work or curatorial project specific to each individual student's interest. Additionally, we will examine art historical precedents, contemporary ideas and practices in the art world, and the role of the artist in contemporary culture.

The textbook for the class is Art/Work-Everything You Need to Know (and Do) as you Pursue your Art Career, Heather Darcy Bhandari and Jonathan Melber, in addition to readings from current sources, such as Artforum, Art News, New York Times, etc.

The student will propose a project that he or she will complete over the course of the semester (which can include preparation for the BFA Exhibition.)The class will include readings and discussions, individual presentations, writing an artist's statement, resume, and cover letter, press release and exhibition announcements, project proposal, and discussions with visiting artists and curators, gallery and museum visits, and class critiques. We will explore graduate school considerations, traditional and alternative strategies for exhibiting and self-promotion, developing an online presence, creating a support system and community, and earning a living as an artist. You will be also presenting your endeavors through at least one PowerPoint presentation.

Prerequisites

Open to students at Junior level and above.

Class Number

1087

Credits

3

Department

Arts Administration and Policy

Location

MacLean 111

Description

This course prepares students to start and manage arts businesses or organizations - whether it be concerning a for-profit or non-profit so that students can see the similarities and differences between the two types of organizations which comprise the field of arts administration. The course surveys the entrepreneurial practices of the for-profit sector as well as the mission-driven operations of the nonprofit sector.

Skill Sets Learned include: how to choose the correct legal entity; staff management: interviewing, hiring, and directing; understanding Marketing strategy using the 5Ps approach (Product, Price, Packaging, Promotion, and Place); basic awareness of Accounting and Financial Records; knowledge of the basics of Contracts and Intellectual Property so as to protect their creative work; familiarity with the basic principles of Economics that affect their business; potential sources of business loans and investors; selecting appropriate Business Insurance; and Business Ethics.

Students write a brief business plan so as to understand of the components and activities that are relevant to a plan. Additionally there is an assignment for a manager's perspective for a business start up and another for a marketing plan. Course includes 2 written exams in which the student is hired as a business consultant to advise a new business. Also, there are several in-class activities to enhance student's working knowledge of various business concepts.

Prerequisites

Open to students at Junior level and above.

Class Number

1093

Credits

3

Department

Arts Administration and Policy

Area of Study

Product Design

Location

Lakeview - 206

Description

In this interdisciplinary studio-seminar, students will work with SITE Galleries and its archive. Founded in 1994, SITE, once known as the Student Union Galleries (SUGs), is a student-run organization at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) for the exhibition of student work. SITE was created as a response to the lack of spaces on SAIC's campus to accommodate the display of student work. Since then, SITE has had the support of faculty advisors and staff and has supported the professional development of roughly 80 student staff members, produced over 260 exhibitions, and has served more than 850 student artists. For more details about SITE Galleries, visit the following link - https://sites.saic.edu/sitegalleries/#

This class will join the legacy celebration of SITE's 30th anniversary and will continue work with SITE's archive to support the efforts of bringing it to a publicly accessible stage while understanding the archival needs of the paper-based collection of ephemera, promotional materials and digital documentation. The class readings and course content will include material that addresses a range of contemporary approaches to archive management and mediation focusing on specific institutional examples alongside the work of practitioners in the field of archival management and research.

Class Number

1089

Credits

3

Department

Arts Administration and Policy

Area of Study

Exhibition and Curatorial Studies

Location

Lakeview - 1507

Description

Processes in Arts Administration offers project-based engagement with timely and relevant developments in Arts Administration. Through an incubator model, students will have the opportunity to explore creative processes that take place as part of independent projects, or 'in the front of the house' and behind the scenes of arts organizations, elevating creativity in arts administration.
Course work will vary and may include researching, proposing and designing curatorial projects across media, programming supporting events for multiple audiences, and designing and publishing publicity, critical, and documentation materials in conjunction with projects.
Students will develop site specific projects at proposal, model, and prototype levels. Course outcomes will include presentations and documentation.

Class Number

2132

Credits

3

Department

Arts Administration and Policy

Area of Study

Community & Social Engagement, Exhibition and Curatorial Studies, Public Space, Site, Landscape

Location

Lakeview - 1427

Description

Have you ever wondered how the world of arts funding works from the inside? This class will provide an insider perspective on how private foundations, government funders, high-wealth donors, and individual philanthropists operate. Students will learn about the US philanthropic system to build an understanding of how to leverage opportunities in the pursuit of supporting creative work. We will consider the history of philanthropy, the systems that provide resources to creative individuals and projects, and investigate current trends in order to understand the systems of resource distribution and the ethical implications of these structures. This class is designed for artists, arts administrators, curators, and historians interested in understanding systems of funding.

Class Number

2130

Credits

3

Department

Arts Administration and Policy

Area of Study

Community & Social Engagement, Exhibition and Curatorial Studies, Museum Studies

Location

Lakeview - 202

Description

Effective management requires knowledgeable and thoughtful preparation and use of financial information. This course focuses on the most critical financial management concepts and skills. Topics include: principles of financial management and control; budget preparation; financial management and strategic planning; allocation and recovery of indirect costs; preparation and analysis of financial reports; and coping with cutbacks. Quantitative analysis is emphasized. Students develop the confidence and ability to produce budgets, set prices and undertake other financial tasks required of administrators.

Prerequisites

You must be a Master of Arts in Arts Administration & Policy student to enroll in this course, or by instructor consent.

Class Number

1826

Credits

3

Department

Arts Administration and Policy

Location

MacLean 112

Description

This course will teach students to apply principles and practices in collections management. It is intended for those who wish to work in the technical area of museums and with collectors. Collections managers typically focus on registration methods in large museums, but in smaller museums, these professionals might hold simultaneous positions as curators and/or directors. In the for-profit arena registrars work in galleries, auction houses, shipping and insurance companies, with private collectors or own their own business. Students will be exposed to all areas of collection management, from acquisition (accessioning) to de-acquisition (deaccessioning), care for a variety of types of objects, and external influences such as storage, environmental influences, shipping and insurance, and valuation.

The main textbook will be Museum Registration Methods - the industry touchstone for collections managers. Timely articles and YouTube screenings will also be introduced with ongoing discussions of ?best practices? as illustrated by a variety of museum Collection Management Policies, Loan Agreements, and Artist Commission contracts.

Coursework will include in-class assignments, relevant readings and two projects.

Class Number

1830

Credits

3

Department

Arts Administration and Policy

Area of Study

Exhibition and Curatorial Studies, Museum Studies

Location

MacLean 112

Description

The Management Studio is a space in which to explore 21st century management environments though a practice based investigation of contemporary organizational, project, and leadership models with an eye toward designing frameworks for the future. In addition to investigating so-called traditional management models, students will engage with current cultural management theory and practice around strategic planning, budgeting and capitalization, evaluation, communication strategy, digital communication, public relations, and fundraising (grant writing, individual donors, presentation skills).

A distinguishing element of this course is the project-based learning environment. Management Studio integrates skill building projects into the course work for the purpose of practicing and developing individual and groups strategies and approaches to managing change/adaptation and cultural programming; supporting and engaging creativity; leading complex environments; building and understanding networks and connectivity; navigating teamwork, collaboration, self-organization, and problem-solving; and developing innovation practice skills. The projects in the studio are developed with external and internal partners and engage a broad set of skill building opportunities. Students select projects based on interest and a broad set of skill development opportunities. Management Studio II focuses on skills building in the areas of strategy and planning; resource development; working with artists; evaluation and data management; and communication strategy. In addition to team projects, there will be opportunities to cultivate individual concepts.

The premise of this course is that participants will be active leaders in shaping the future of cultural/arts management. As such, the course invites broad and active participation and preparation for every class meeting. As a ?hands on? examination of management practice and theory, students are urged to critically engage with the material and to participate in class discussions, projects, presentations and debates. Each student will work on an ongoing project(s) in addition to class preparation to include reading, discussion and presentation. The willingness and ability to collaborate and continue to develop skills in team-based work is an essential element of this course and a core component of grading. Class will generally be divided into two sections or function as workshops. The first section will include workshops and discussions/presentations The second section will include project report outs and project work/discussion. Each project will be developed through the workshops as real time case studies.

Prerequisites

You must be a Master of Arts in Arts Administration & Policy student to enroll in this course, or by instructor consent.

Class Number

1828

Credits

3

Department

Arts Administration and Policy

Location

MacLean 707

Description

Law, Politics And The Arts provides the student with an understanding of the legal system and the political process as they relate to the arts. The first part of the course is a survey of the American legal system and laws affecting artists and arts organizations, including topics such as contracts, corporations, copyrights, and First Amendment issues. The second part of the course explores the philosophical foundations and the practical experience of the relationship of government and the political process to the arts, with an emphasis on advocacy and the skills to change the rules.

Readings will include judicial opinions, legislation, and excerpts from both fiction and non-fiction works. We will look at US Supreme Court rulings on the limits of the First Amendment as well as statutes protecting artists from hazardous paints and unscrupulous gallery owners. Readings are selected to be accessible to the general reader.

Assignments include weekly readings, both within the syllabus and those brought in by students readings, several quizzes, and two written assignments including a practical advocacy project.

Prerequisites

You must be a Master of Arts in Arts Administration & Policy student to enroll in this course, or by instructor consent.

Class Number

1827

Credits

3

Department

Arts Administration and Policy

Area of Study

Art/Design and Politics

Location

Lakeview - 206

Description

Processes in Arts Administration offers project-based engagement with timely and relevant developments in Arts Administration. Through an incubator model, students will have the opportunity to explore creative processes that take place as part of independent projects, or 'in the front of the house' and behind the scenes of arts organizations, elevating creativity in arts administration.
Course work will vary and may include researching, proposing and designing curatorial projects across media, programming supporting events for multiple audiences, and designing and publishing publicity, critical, and documentation materials in conjunction with projects.
Students will develop site specific projects at proposal, model, and prototype levels. Course outcomes will include presentations and documentation.

Class Number

1834

Credits

3

Department

Arts Administration and Policy

Area of Study

Community & Social Engagement, Exhibition and Curatorial Studies, Public Space, Site, Landscape

Location

Lakeview - 1427

Description

Have you ever wondered how the world of arts funding works from the inside? This class will provide an insider perspective on how private foundations, government funders, high-wealth donors, and individual philanthropists operate. Students will learn about the US philanthropic system to build an understanding of how to leverage opportunities in the pursuit of supporting creative work. We will consider the history of philanthropy, the systems that provide resources to creative individuals and projects, and investigate current trends in order to understand the systems of resource distribution and the ethical implications of these structures. This class is designed for artists, arts administrators, curators, and historians interested in understanding systems of funding.

Class Number

1835

Credits

3

Department

Arts Administration and Policy

Area of Study

Community & Social Engagement, Exhibition and Curatorial Studies, Museum Studies

Location

Lakeview - 202

Description

Building on ARTSAD 5005, Activating Arts Administration: Key Frameworks, ARTSAD 6018, Spheres of Cultural Valuation, focuses on the exploration of cultural policy, projects, agencies, organizations and institutions that comprise global arts ecosystems, while also probing their foundational socio-political, economic and philosophical narratives, along with current and evolving rationales. Material will be developed through visiting speakers working with and for internationally operating cultural organizations; through readings in Arts Administration adjacent areas such as Anthropology, Critical Theory, Cultural Diplomacy, Gender Studies, Indigenous Studies, Performance Studies, Political Science and Sociology; and through individual and group research projects that explore student selected cultural policy examples across regions of the globe. Students will concurrently explore approaches to research and presentation modalities.

Prerequisites

You must be a Master of Arts in Arts Administration & Policy student to enroll in this course, or by instructor consent.

Class Number

1829

Credits

3

Department

Arts Administration and Policy

Area of Study

Art/Design and Politics

Location

MacLean 920

Description

This professional curating practicum will examine today¿s complexities in making exhibitions in museums and carrying out projects in public spaces. It will give special attention to the interests and needs of artists, and the potential for their voices to affect the cultural climate we live in. Instructors are practicing curators in the Chicago area, and change from year to year. This course will be supplemented by field trips around Chicago and visits with other working curators at varying levels of experience, institutional integration, and methodologies.

Class Number

1833

Credits

3

Department

Arts Administration and Policy

Area of Study

Public Space, Site, Landscape

Location

Upcoming Admissions Events

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Oct15

Grad Programs On-Campus Weekend: October 15-17

Join Graduate Admissions on campus for a variety of opportunities to learn about our graduate degrees.

Thursday, October 15 - Saturday, October 17 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. CDT at On Campus

Take the Next Step

Visit the graduate admissions website or contact the graduate admissions office at 312.629.6100, 800.232.7242 or gradmiss@saic.edu.

Arts Admin students listening to instructor in gallery space while looking at large, brightly colored tiles on floor.

MA Arts Administration & Policy Program Brochure

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