Arts Management

Overview

The American University of Rome recognized that the Arts Management complexity of today’s art world required a graduate program that unpacked the structure of the contemporary art world, revealed the nature of artistic and cultural values in connection to their market value and provided a solid knowledge of business and market principles.

International in scope, this program featured Rome and Italy's unparalleled museum culture as case studies for the challenges and the opportunities facing future curators and arts administrators. Our students had access to internationally renowned arts institutions and art professionals in charge of some of the world’s most prestigious collections working within a unique system of patronage.

Students of this program mastered key concepts and ideas in art theory, analyzed the most advanced curatorial practices, and gained in-depth knowledge of museum management, fundraising, and the economics of culture. Through a selection of elective courses, students chose to focus on live arts management, writing, heritage or entrepreneurship. 

Those who have completed this program came away with: 

• Knowledge of curatorial practices and the social and cultural role of artistic institutions

• Knowledge of relevant art theories that explain and contextualize the complex artistic production and functioning of the contemporary art world 

• Knowledge of art market principles, including market, social, political and cultural factors that structure the art market

• Management skills in museum and live arts project management

• Fundraising skills

• Museum managers

• Art gallery managers

• Managers of art fairs, and other contemporary art manifestations

• Curators

• Exhibition designers

• Professionals working for private and public collectors

• Contributors to professional art journals and reviews

• Reporters on art and art critics

• Professionals working for governmental and non-governmental organizations related to art and cultural heritage\

• Contributors to professional art journals and reviews