Gain advanced theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the fields of curation and critical art writing.

The graduate program in Criticism and Curatorial Practices (CCP) focuses uniquely on supporting you to acquire advanced research skills for visual and academic investigations in the areas of curation and critical art writing. In this program you will contribute to new knowledge in the areas of art, media, and design through the creation of unique research on artists and artworks in changing contexts of display and reception.

Program Pathways

Through the CADN program you will:

take introductory courses in curation and in critical art writing, in addition to courses that foreground experiential learning, and independent research and writing

explore your independent research leading to the final exhibition or criticism thesis,

take electives that connect them with graduate students in other programs

participate in study-abroad courses, creative residencies, and to gain credit for internships and placement

take part in an internship that allows you to integrate the knowledge gleaned from first-year seminars with the practices of curating and criticism.

The Learning Environment

Develop your voice as an arts-based researcher with support from faculty and with access to these resources:

Dedicated workspaces on our downtown Toronto campus

Access to the Graduate Gallery, which all graduate students can access to host exhibitions and events year-round.

Co-location with the Contemporary Art, Design and New Media Art Histories graduate program graduate program for building connection and community.

Seminar and elective courses.

Events and gatherings, such as exhibitions, guest lectures, conferences, and symposium in partnership with arts organizations.

Students have the opportunity to curate exhibitions in the Graduate Gallery during the course of the year as a part of or independent of their studies. During the winter term second year thesis exhibitions take place in the Graduate Gallery and in art spaces across the city. Career Paths and Experiential Learning Partners

The CCP program is a part of a constellation of arts and cultural organizations, which will enrich student networks through:

partnerships, internships and events at organizations such as the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Textile Museum, C Magazine, the Toronto Alliance of Art Critics, or other galleries and artist-run centres nationally and internationally

The Summer Internship, which is an approximately four-week placement with a gallery, museum, arts publication or other relevant cultural institution in Canada or abroad

CCP Alumni have active careers in arts and culture sector. Graduates from the program have gone on to start critical art writing magazines, teach in post-secondary settings, and work independently and within galleries, museums and arts and culture festivals as Executive Directors and Curators.