COURSE DESCRIPTION
In recent years, the concepts of “curation” and “curatorship” have extended beyond traditional art institutions into the broader cultural economy, prompting a need for updated understanding of curatorial and artistic practices within contemporary cultural production. This course explores the intersection of communication, media, cultural studies, and the sociology of the arts to analyze how art is valued, classified, and utilized for both economic and symbolic capital. It addresses the influence of state and market forces on cultural policy, highlighting the role of national agendas and infrastructure in shaping cultural landscapes. Through theoretical frameworks and practitioner insights, the course equips students with tools to critically engage with the sociopolitical dimensions of art, emphasizing the collaborative, interdisciplinary, and public-facing nature of contemporary curatorial work. Positioned within the CCSCA program, it encourages dialogue among students from diverse backgrounds, offering valuable perspectives for aspiring curators, critics, educators, and cultural professionals.
Indicative references :

• Alexander, V.D. (2003). Sociology of the Arts: Exploring Fine and Popular Forms. Blackwell.

• Becker, H.S. (1982, 2008). Art Worlds: 25th Anniversary Edition. Berkeley and L.A.,CA.:University of California Press.

• Bennett, T. (2009). Culture, class, distinction (Culture, economy and the social). Abingdon,Oxon ; New York: Routledge.

• Durrer, V., Miller, T. & O'Brien, D. (eds.) (2017, 2018). The Routledge Handbook of GlobalCultural Policy. Abingdon Oxon UK: Routledge

• Zolberg, V. L. (1990). Constructing a sociology of the arts. Cambridge University Press.