The Programme: overview

Established in 2006, the MA combines solid training in artistic production with highly specialised curatorial practice. Lead by globally recognised artists, curators, critics and intellectuals, the programme explores the relationship between art, visual culture, aesthetics and social dynamics, focusing on the main research and theoretical methodologies of contemporary art. Given the solid positioning of the NABA Visual Arts Department within the contemporary art system, students will tackle interdisciplinary activities, and new training and operating models in contemporary art.

Learning Objectives

Over the MA, students will have the opportunity to:

  • Develop an in-depth knowledge of the practical and theoretical tools for artistic, curatorial, editorial, exhibition, historical-critical projects
  • Develop advanced skills in painting, drawing, graphic design, video, photography, sound design, new media, and communication and organization of cultural activities
  • Acquire knowledge of the main research and theoretical methodologies of contemporary art and of the aesthetic and visual vocabulary to work with images
  • Produce and display artistic works and curatorial projects on a professional and
    international level

STUDY PLAN

The Master of Arts allows students to deepen their knowledge through highly specialised studies and to acquire the theoretical and practical instruments necessary to develop different kinds of projects in the fields of visual arts, curatorship, exhibition design and publishing.

Through the analysis of the fundamental research and theory methodologies applied to contemporary art, and thanks to interdisciplinary activities and field experiences, students have the opportunity to confront the professional context, experiencing new educational and operational models for the international system of contemporary art.

FIRST YEAR

Introduces students to the main themes of the programme and explores relationship between art, visual culture, aesthetics, social and economic dynamics, through studies in phenomenology of contemporary arts, visual arts, photography, exhibition design and curatorial studies, in a constant comparison with new creative and experimental methods and different cultural contexts on a global scale.

Students deepen their path through both individual and group researches for visual art, curatorship, exhibition design and publishing projects, dealing with different exhibition models and cultural contexts and acquiring critical skills to face the complexity of the art system.
 

SECOND YEAR

The advanced studies in history of contemporary art, curating, exhibition design consolidate the students’ knowledge related to exhibition models production, for a critical understanding of processes, spaces, narratives, audience and institutional structures which influence the contemporary creation.

Exploring the contemporary art practices, students have the opportunity to deepen their expressive and theoretical research and to experience the production of artistic and curatorial projects.

Project-based and cross-disciplinary workshops, together with research on techniques and materials and meetings with professionals from the international art system, enable students to acquire knowledge and skills suitable for professional career.

Department: Visual Arts

Area: Visual Arts

Title Awarded: Second Level Academic Degree

Credits: 120 CFA

Starting: October 2025 - February 2026

Duration: 2 years

Languages: Italian and English

Campus: Milan and Rome