新加坡拉萨尔艺术学院

Advance your knowledge of the histories of Asian modern and contemporary art.

The MA in Asian Art Histories is a path-breaking programme focused on grooming a new generation of art historians, curators, art writers and exhibition-makers focused entirely on Asian modern and contemporary art histories and practices. It is the first MA programme in any tertiary institution worldwide to focus on Asian modern and contemporary art.

The programme adopts a liberal attitude to nurturing the appreciation of art from Asia, attracting a diverse and rich community of participants who seek to make a difference in their various fields, countries and art. It provides a rare opportunity for historians-in-the-making to work and study alongside artists and their art-making practices and engage with the College’s curatorial division, the Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore.

Through the acquisition of research skills and study on theoretical and historical frameworks, you will engage with living artists, field experts, curators, and collectors drawn from Singapore and Asia’s rich visual arts ecology. The rigour of the programme prepares students to pursue PhD studies.

The programme provides you with the art historical and theoretical resources as well as the opportunity to undertake original research in largely under explored fields, investigate recently emerged artists and movements, and contribute to art historical discourse and scholarship. It also encourages you to establish and expand your professional practices and networks, developing your potential to become leading thinkers and cultural producers in the field.

The burgeoning success of the visual arts industry in Asia means that researching and studying this area is timely and relevant. The MA in Asian Art Histories programme allows you to take advantage of these emerging networks by offering opportunities to participate in conferences, publications and research projects alongside industry leaders.

The MA Asian Art Histories Programme draws on Singapore's vast resources on Southeast Asian art by including in its curriculum regular off-site visits to galleries and other cultural institutions, as well as one overseas study trip to an area of relevance and interest. Previous trips have included visits to artists’ studios, galleries, archives, museums and collections in countries including China, Hong Kong, India and Vietnam.

Programme structure

This full-time programme spans three consecutive semesters within a 1.5-year duration. Semesters 1 and 2 each have two 30-credit modules. In Semester 2, a 30-credit elective module option is made available to you with a choice to take the module offered by your respective programme or, in consultation with your Programme Leader, select a module offered by another MA programme. The 60-credit module in the final (3rd) semester will support you to develop a thesis based on your research interests.

Graduate career paths:

Curator, Academic, Gallery Manager, Art Writer, Researcher, Art Administrator and Art Consultant