Praxis – curating and writing in contemporary art, master
Develop as a critical, creative art professional through rigorous writing, curating and collaboration with fine arts students.
Why study here?
Praxis strengthens your skills in exhibition-making and art mediation while fostering a critical understanding of how contemporary art operates within society. Through interdisciplinary study and practical curatorial training, you gain experience in real-world projects and collaborations. The programme’s international faculty of curators, writers and scholars guides you toward innovative work in the contemporary art field.
Content and objective of the programme
Overview
This two-year master’s programme combines rigorous academic study with hands-on curatorial training, exploring contemporary art as a field shaped by questions of societal issues, technology, identity, and ecology. Students work alongside fine arts peers as they study the history, theory and discourse of contemporary art, curating and critical writing, while gaining practical experience across exhibitions, public space projects, publications and digital platforms. Students secure funded placements in arts organisations that align with their interests and goals.
With small-group teaching and a strong emphasis on mediation, collaboration and real-world contexts, the programme prepares students to become responsible, critical and creative art professionals. Throughout their studies, including their thesis projects, students are supported in developing a specialised focus within the broad and evolving landscape of contemporary art. Students have access to the academy’s gallery, Kuva/Tila, library, and art collection.
Curriculum
The course combines practical training in curating and writing through the development of exhibitions and critical texts, alongside theoretical study across a wide range of topics, including the history and theory of exhibition practices. Practical components introduce students to hands-on approaches to curating and equip them with essential professional skills such as developing budgets, fundraising, engaging stakeholders, and designing mediation and public programmes. Students also gain insight into the broad landscape of contemporary art institutions and how they operate. Alongside this, the academy offers a variety of thematic theory courses each year, providing a wide understanding of contemporary art across different practices and critical perspectives.
Students have the opportunity to develop a curatorial project for their thesis. Alternatively, they may submit a written thesis that critically examines a topic of their choosing. Both are developed with the support of the academic team, as well as external mentors.
Professional engagement
Collaborating with a wide range of organisations, from small independent initiatives to well-established institutions, provides students with rich professional experience embedded within the curriculum. Being based in Helsinki allows students to engage directly and regularly with leading cultural institutions in the region, such as Kiasma, EMMA, Helsinki Biennial, Amos Rex, and PUBLICS, as well as a variety of independent art spaces. Beyond Helsinki, we actively participate in study visits, collaborative projects, and networks across the Nordic countries and the Baltics. These frequent engagements encourage students to produce work that is both ambitious and experimental, supported by ongoing dialogue with professional partners.
Internships
Following their first year, students complete a paid internship at an art institution of their choosing. The internship programme is designed to deepen students’ curatorial thinking, expand their professional connections, and develop their practical skills. This immersive period of work gives students direct insight into projects and institutional environments that align with their curatorial interests and long-term career aspirations.
Visiting speakers & excursions
Each year, the programme hosts a wide range of visiting speakers from the fields of visual art, writing, theory, and performance. In addition, an annual excursion to an international biennial is organised for postgraduate students.
Teachers
The academic staff of the programme are established researchers, curators, writers and artists actively working in the field of contemporary art. Visiting lecturers also provide teaching in the programme, and act as supervisors and examiners of students’ thesis projects.
Core Team
Prof Michael Birchall
Dr Kaija Kaitavuori
Contributing academic staff:
Prof Hanna Johansson (contemporary art research)
Suzanne Mooney (contemporary art in society)
Prof Riikka Stewen (art history and theory)
Doctoral studies
It is possible to complete a licentiate and a doctoral degree at the University as a third-cycle degree. After graduating with a master’s degree, you will have the option to pursue further studies in the Doctoral programme in fine arts, for example.
Student experiences
Target degree and length of study
Master of Arts (Art and Design)
2 years
Application period
Next possible time to apply is in January 2026. Studies begin in August 2026.
Application languages
English
Read more about our language skill requirements
Tuition fee
From August 2026, the annual tuition fee is € 28,000 for students who are studying in English and come from outside the EU and EEA countries.
Unit
Academy of Fine Arts
Ask about applying
kuva.admissions@uniarts.fi
See a recording of our students’ admissions chat 3 Dec 2024 on Youtube
Why study here?
Praxis strengthens your skills in exhibition-making and art mediation while fostering a critical understanding of how contemporary art operates within society. Through interdisciplinary study and practical curatorial training, you gain experience in real-world projects and collaborations. The programme’s international faculty of curators, writers and scholars guides you toward innovative work in the contemporary art field.
Content and objective of the programme
Overview
This two-year master’s programme combines rigorous academic study with hands-on curatorial training, exploring contemporary art as a field shaped by questions of societal issues, technology, identity, and ecology. Students work alongside fine arts peers as they study the history, theory and discourse of contemporary art, curating and critical writing, while gaining practical experience across exhibitions, public space projects, publications and digital platforms. Students secure funded placements in arts organisations that align with their interests and goals.
With small-group teaching and a strong emphasis on mediation, collaboration and real-world contexts, the programme prepares students to become responsible, critical and creative art professionals. Throughout their studies, including their thesis projects, students are supported in developing a specialised focus within the broad and evolving landscape of contemporary art. Students have access to the academy’s gallery, Kuva/Tila, library, and art collection.
Curriculum
The course combines practical training in curating and writing through the development of exhibitions and critical texts, alongside theoretical study across a wide range of topics, including the history and theory of exhibition practices. Practical components introduce students to hands-on approaches to curating and equip them with essential professional skills such as developing budgets, fundraising, engaging stakeholders, and designing mediation and public programmes. Students also gain insight into the broad landscape of contemporary art institutions and how they operate. Alongside this, the academy offers a variety of thematic theory courses each year, providing a wide understanding of contemporary art across different practices and critical perspectives.
Students have the opportunity to develop a curatorial project for their thesis. Alternatively, they may submit a written thesis that critically examines a topic of their choosing. Both are developed with the support of the academic team, as well as external mentors.
Professional engagement
Collaborating with a wide range of organisations, from small independent initiatives to well-established institutions, provides students with rich professional experience embedded within the curriculum. Being based in Helsinki allows students to engage directly and regularly with leading cultural institutions in the region, such as Kiasma, EMMA, Helsinki Biennial, Amos Rex, and PUBLICS, as well as a variety of independent art spaces. Beyond Helsinki, we actively participate in study visits, collaborative projects, and networks across the Nordic countries and the Baltics. These frequent engagements encourage students to produce work that is both ambitious and experimental, supported by ongoing dialogue with professional partners.
Internships
Following their first year, students complete a paid internship at an art institution of their choosing. The internship programme is designed to deepen students’ curatorial thinking, expand their professional connections, and develop their practical skills. This immersive period of work gives students direct insight into projects and institutional environments that align with their curatorial interests and long-term career aspirations.
Visiting speakers & excursions
Each year, the programme hosts a wide range of visiting speakers from the fields of visual art, writing, theory, and performance. In addition, an annual excursion to an international biennial is organised for postgraduate students.
Teachers
The academic staff of the programme are established researchers, curators, writers and artists actively working in the field of contemporary art. Visiting lecturers also provide teaching in the programme, and act as supervisors and examiners of students’ thesis projects.
Core Team
Prof Michael Birchall
Dr Kaija Kaitavuori
Contributing academic staff:
Prof Hanna Johansson (contemporary art research)
Suzanne Mooney (contemporary art in society)
Prof Riikka Stewen (art history and theory)
Doctoral studies
It is possible to complete a licentiate and a doctoral degree at the University as a third-cycle degree. After graduating with a master’s degree, you will have the option to pursue further studies in the Doctoral programme in fine arts, for example.