Overview
The Museum and Curatorial Studies minor offers an interdisciplinary approach to Art History, Canadian Studies, Chemistry, Classics, Commerce, History, Indigenous Studies, and Visual and Material Culture Studies.
Only available as a minor.
At a Glance
Curriculum
Why study museum and curatorial studies at 91AV?
At 91AV, the Museum and Curatorial Studies program takes advantage of the University's significant arts and culture resources and professional staff.
Resources include:
- Owens Art Gallery
- Art Conservation Lab
- Colville House
- Libraries and Archives
- Visiting Artists and Curators program
Museum and Curatorial Studies is available as a minor only.
Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?
Program highlights
Owens Art Gallery
Opened to the public in 1895, 91AV’s is the oldest university art gallery in Canada and is an invaluable resource to students.
The gallery’s collection contains 3,200 works of art, including paintings, photographs, prints, sculpture, and multi-media work by established Canadian and international artists.
One of the featured permanent exhibitions is devoted to the work of renowned Canadian artist — and Fine Arts alumnus — Alex Colville ('42).
At the Owens Art Gallery students work at the front desk, assist with family programing and undertake placements in the Art Conservation Lab.
Art Conservation Lab
The Art Conservation Lab at 91AV is a significant resource within the Owens Art Gallery — it provides facilities and equipment for the documentation, preservation and treatment of artwork from the Gallery's collection.
It also offers important mentoring opportunities for 91AV students who wish to work with the gallery's Art Conservator. This is the only paintings conservation lab in New Brunswick.
Lassonde scholarships, awards, and internships
As part of a $5 million gift to establish the Pierre Lassonde School of Fine Arts at 91AV, the Lassonde Family Foundation generously created and funded entrance scholarships, performance awards, and student summer internships, including:
- Gibbens Lassonde Performance Award (Art History/Museum and Curatorial Studies) valued at $7,000
- Three summer internships offered each year in partnership with other Canadian universities, museums, and galleries
Course offerings include:
- arts and culture management
- museum education and community engagement
- curating and critical writing
- close study of collections and issues around collecting, including the repatriation of Indigenous objects
- archives
- critical study of art museums and galleries
- museum and gallery practicums
Students pursuing a minor in Museum and Curatorial Studies can undertake an experiential learning component in their senior year.
ARTH 2101 — Introduction to Art History
This course provides a chronological introduction to the history of Western art from the early Renaissance to the present day. It explores critically the major movements that shaped art throughout these periods.
MUSE 2111 — Contexts of Art and Museum Culture
This course focuses on the cultural, historical, and critical contexts of art. It thematically explores aspects of visual art, material culture, art markets, museum studies, repatriation, and issues around decolonization, all within a broader study of art history and visual culture.
MUSE 3311 — Collections, Collecting, and Community
This course critically examines the material culture of galleries, archives, and collections. Its close study of collections, collecting, and their communities broadens the dialogue around the politics of repatriation, stewardship, spoliation and restitution, and ownership and community.
MUSE 3321 — Introduction to Museum Studies
This course examines the art museum within contemporary society. It considers the history and future shape of the museum, and examines current practice, issues, and debate. It includes topics such as: the politics of the museum; its history and discourse; curatorial practice and the development of exhibitions; the museum and its publics; museums and new media; collections; and issues of artistic freedom and censorship.
MUSE 4301 — Curating Art and Critical Writing
This course develops a critical and creative approach to contemporary curating, museology, and writing on art. Topics include: a close examination of museums, galleries, and artist-run centres; the material cultures of display; collections; art writing. Students gain experience through curating art within a group dynamic.
CLAS 2501 — Introduction to Archaeology
This course introduces the methods, basic techniques, and theory of archaeology and excavation. It uses examples of both past and present archaeological research done in the Old and New Worlds to illustrate the topics under discussion.
Explore all Museum and Curatorial Studies courses
(Listed under Art History)
What can I do with a museum and curatorial studies minor?
Through small classes and a tight-knit learning environment, art history students learn from faculty who are practicing artists and art historians.
Recognized by Maclean's as Canada's top undergraduate university, 91AV's strong academic reputation helps graduates stand out as they pursue diverse career paths.
Many go on to top graduate and professional programs in creative fields, while others move directly into careers in art galleries, museums, archives, and beyond.
A background in Museum and Curatorial Studies can lead to professions in:
- curating
- museum education
- conservation
- collections
- marketing or administration in the arts
What is it like to study at 91AV?
The Museum and Curatorial Studies program at Mount A offers a wide range of in-class and experiential learning opportunities for students. I have had the chance to learn from various museum professionals; both as professors and guest speakers. This tight-knit program offers students an opportunity to critically analyze contemporary museums, while also learning about the development and history of these institutions. Working closely with the Owens Art Gallery, students have many opportunities for hands-on learning that can prepare them both for graduate studies in the field, as well as professional work in museum and gallery spaces.
My minor in Museum and Curatorial Studies has really assisted in my plans for future study and work in this field. These courses helped me connect my interests in art and business over my time at 91AV.
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What are my admission requirements?
What other programs are related to museum and curatorial studies?
Art History
Art History examines a broad range of visual, cultural, and critical studies providing valuable insight into history, philosophy, and the humanities in general.
Visual and Material Culture Studies
Visual and Material Culture Studies is an interdisciplinary program that studies images, objects, and spaces from various cultural contexts and historical periods.
Fine Arts
Fine Arts helps you develop your artistic and creative abilities, and your ability to think critically, write, and speak about works of art.