VCULT 204Art Institutions

This course examines the history of art institutions, such as museums, galleries, collections, artist run spaces, and considers their place and meaning in contemporary society. Students will explore the history and future shape of such institutions and examine current practices, issues, and debates surrounding them. Topics to be considered include the politics of the art institutions; history and discourse of collecting and display; history of curatorial practices and the development of exhibitions; art publics; technology and new media; collections and collecting practices; and issues of artistic freedom and censorship.