Master of Contemporary Art Practices

The Master of Contemporary Art Practices is aimed at artists who want to develop a more ambitious, independent contemporary art practice. The program extends a student’s practical, theoretical and conceptual knowledge in order to develop a deeper understanding of contemporary practices in context of how artists work in a range of disciplines. Contemporary artists respond to the challenges and questions that arise in an increasingly global and technologically advanced world. Their approaches are diverse, combining materials, methods and subjects that extend their practice. Artists today increasingly problem solve, collaborate with a variety of partners, and think and work outside of the traditional boundaries that distinguish a contemporary practice. This graduate program is unique as it supports hands on learning development in workshop, studio and digital environments by progressing students through courses that support individual practice-led research opportunities. Students are encouraged to undertake a range of approaches to contemporary art practice, including a focus on specialist knowledge of materials and skills, testing new conceptual methodologies, and/or solving problems through cross-disciplinary or hybrid experiences. Students benefit directly from and contribute to the research environment found within the School of Art and Design.

Employment Opportunities

The School of Art and Design is a major stakeholder in Australia’s national contemporary art sector. SOAD graduates participate in and contribute to the arts, sustaining and developing an independent practice or business, or work within the creative industry sector. MCAP students will have the opportunity to develop their professional practice by broadening their networks, build new audiences and graduate with a competitive edge. Students will complete this program with a more informed and developed awareness of their art practice, its direction and how it is situated within the fields of contemporary art and practice-led research. They will graduate with new, distinctive bodies of work; be ready for exhibition or production; and be prepared for future opportunities, including applying to residencies, collaborations, grant applications and/or awards. Students may be ready to apply to higher level degrees, such as the Masters (Advanced). This program aligns with the Australian Government’s forecast that to meet the demands of a changing workforce it is important to maximise opportunities for students in the 21st Century. [i] This program will extend students’ practical, theoretical and conceptual knowledge in order to develop a deeper understanding of contemporary art practices in context of how artists work today. Students will graduate with the necessary creative qualifications and skills contributing to different value chains and knowledge exchange in a range of industries.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of contemporary art practices, including knowledge, concepts, skills, techniques and contexts relevant to their own practice;
2. Plan and execute independent practice-led research utilising methodologies that test and investigate substantial art projects at an advanced level;
3. Critically reflect upon, evaluate and apply theoretical, conceptual and aesthetic elements of art practice in the production of creative works and/or professionally relevant projects; and
4. Communicate theoretical, aesthetic, conceptual and imaginative propositions to a range of audiences through independent practice-led research.

Inherent Requirements

Entry to the Master of Contemporary Art Practices requires completion of an interview and successful assessment of a portfolio of works that demonstrates the candidate has a working knowledge of contemporary art practices. Other supporting material required includes a CV/Resume; Statement of Purpose; Statement of Competency; and Image list.

Further Information

Entry to the Master of Contemporary Art Practices requires completion of an interview and successful assessment of a portfolio of works and other supporting material including a CV/Resume; Statement of Purpose; Statement of Competency; and Image list. Before applying, applicants should consult the ANU School of Art ad Design website where the requirements are listed and supporting material submission information is detailed: http://soad.cass.anu.edu.au/students/apply/postgraduate-coursework-applications