Duration
2 years
Component
Faculty of Humanities
Language(s) of instruction
French
Presentation
Are you interested in working in the field of contemporary visual arts? The Master’s in Arts, with a specialization in Exhibition/Production/Distribution of Contemporary Art, offers a program focused on current practices in contemporary art. It combines practical training—including the organization of full-scale exhibitions and the production of contemporary artworks—with theoretical instruction in the history and criticism of contemporary art, as well as in art theory and aesthetics.
The Exhibition/Production/Distribution of Contemporary Art program is open to all students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in visual arts or an equivalent program that has provided them with knowledge of art (particularly regarding exhibition-related issues) or practical skills related to the production and exhibition of artworks.
Objectives
- Training in the exhibition, production, and dissemination of contemporary art allows you to become a specialist in artistic and curatorial practice.
This program focuses on curatorial practices and contemporary issues in the art world. It combines the organization of full-scale exhibitions, support for the creation of artworks, and theoretical instruction in art history, art criticism, and art theory.
Depending on your career goals, you may be required to:
- Design and organize exhibitions
- Oversee or coordinate the production of works
- Working in production or set design
- Assist the management of cultural organizations (art centers, associations, etc.)
- Work in the fields of communication or mediation in contemporary art.
The program is designed to equip students with the essential skills needed for careers in the exhibition industry: budget management, production management, communications, law, insurance, proficiency in English, and more.
Know-how and skills
THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE
- Develop research skills.
- To generate knowledge related to current issues in the exhibition and production of contemporary artworks
- Mastering English
KNOW-HOW
- Understand exhibition-related techniques (design and curation, installation, transportation and insurance of artworks, budgeting, visitor services, documentation, etc.)
- Organize or participate in artistic projects and cultural events
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
- Work collaboratively and in a complementary manner with a team
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
- Knowledge of the cultural sector and how it operates
International dimension
The projects developed as part of the training program provide an opportunity to participate in a cross-border and international network.
Training benefits
- The focus is on the production (set design, outreach, distribution) of works that explore new ways of engaging with artistic practices (such as the creation of portable or modular works, participation in the “New Patrons” program, collaborative works, etc.), providing you with training in the most innovative exhibition formats.
- At the same time, research seminars and academic events (workshops, symposia, lecture series, and meetings with professionals) provide opportunities to explore the pressing issues shaping the art world today.
Organization
Courses are organized into blocks of knowledge and skills (BCC), which allow students to build their skills over the course of several semesters by deepening their knowledge. The Exhibition/Production/Distribution of Contemporary Art program offers a workshop in curatorial practices. In addition to classroom instruction, students have the opportunity to participate in internships and work on supervised projects.
Courses
Internship | Possible |
|---|
Optional each semester
At leastone internship must be completed during the program as part of an elective course.
Admission
Admission requirements
For the first year of the Master's program:
Submit your application via the national "Mon Master" platform:https://monmaster.gouv.fr/formation
For the Master 2 program:
Submit your application via the University of Lille’s platform: https://www.univ-lille.fr/formation/candidater-sinscrire/ecandidat
And then
Further studies
Since this Master’s program includes research training, you may, subject to the Doctoral School’s approval, continue your studies toward a Ph.D. (admission based on application). You will spend at least three years in a research laboratory accredited by the Ministry. You will complete mandatory training. You will write an original dissertation, which you will defend in a public defense. The PhD program prepares you for careers in research or leadership roles in the international professional world.
For more information: https://edshs.univ-lille.fr/
Professional integration
BUSINESS SECTORS
- Arts
- Culture
- Education
- Communication
JOB CATEGORIES
- Exhibition Designer in the Contemporary Art Sector
- Art gallery director / contemporary art center director;
- Stage Manager
- Public Relations Officer;
- Communications Specialist in the Contemporary Art Sector
For information on graduates’ entry into the workforce, consult the studies and surveys published byODIF (Observatory of the Directorate of Training)
The job/occupation profiles in the Operational Directory of Occupations and Jobs (ROME) provide insight into various occupations and the skills associated with them.

