Curatorial Studies

Concentration in Art (BA)

The Curatorial Studies Concentration in the BA in Art has been discontinued and is no longer accepting new students.

Why Study Curatorial Studies?

As one of the concentrations in the art major at North Park, curatorial studies will teach you how to organize an exhibit and prepare you for the collaborative effort that goes into mounting art exhibitions for public consumption at a museum, gallery, or institutional archive.

Requirements

36 hours of major coursework
12 credits co-requirements
46 Core Curriculum hours
120 total credits for graduation
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Faculty Spotlight: Tim Lowly

As a professor, gallery director, and artist-in-residence at North Park, Tim Lowly helps students grow as artists.

More About Tim Lowly

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Chicago: An Artist’s City

Some of the world’s most renowned art museums are just a train ride away. The city of Chicago offers many internship opportunities, evocative public art installations and architectural styles, access to professional artists, and a range of gallery and museum field experiences.

Careers and Graduate Study

You will graduate prepared to work in a museum, gallery, or library with institutional archives—qualified to organize a show and write about exhibits or collections for a public audience—or to pursue a master’s degree in art history with a curatorial concentration.

Curators Are Artists

Curators must use many creative capacities to design an art exhibition for the public, including the ability to build a community of artists and function well within one—all key skills that North Park will help you to develop.

Junior Critique

During your junior year, you will receive direct feedback on your work to date from faculty and your peers, plus mentoring on how to focus your efforts going forward. Throughout your time at North Park, faculty will take this type of vested interest in you and your goals.

Senior Show: Professional Portfolio

Senior art majors who concentrate in curatorial studies participate in the Senior Show during their final semester. This may be a selection of your own work, or a curatorial project that showcases your skill in putting together a show and can serve as part of your portfolio in your job search.