Course summary

Why study this course? Our Public Art and Performative Practices MA prepares artists and art professionals for the increasing demand in the sector to develop publicly interactive, performative and immersive work. In association with Tate Exchange at Tate Modern and in collaboration with national and international art organisations and institutions, this MA degree encourages a practical and industry-minded approach to exploring how contemporary art experiences engage with the public. The course is designed to develop career paths for artists, curators and facilitators interested in any creative medium (visual art, performance, video, installation, sculpture and digital art), with a specific focus on developing public-facing projects. All tutors are internationally recognised industry professionals, approaching this subject from different angles and areas of expertise. More about this course During this course, you’ll take a detailed look at the performative relationship between artworks and their viewers/participants, whilst developing new interdisciplinary projects in this respect. With public engagement at the core of current programming by art institutions worldwide, museums and galleries are increasingly experimenting with innovative ways to make the public directly involved in their experiences. Funding bodies like Arts Council England demand that their supported artists and institutions champion inclusivity and audience engagement. Joining this master’s programme is your chance to be at the forefront of this movement. This course places a strong emphasis on the idea that all public art can be seen as performative, regardless of the disciplines an artwork entails. The ideas of public work and performativity will therefore represent interdisciplinary stimuli for a variety of tasks and topics. In the autumn and spring terms you’ll follow Public Art and Performative Practices, which will provide an overall artistic and conceptual path for your learning. With regular visits to London art galleries and an association with Tate Exchange, you’ll have the chance to explore the artistic and cultural potential of developing public art works, as well as making professional contacts in the process. Practical projects and workshops in studio will complement these, enabling you to creatively test the ideas you have explored. The Research for Practice module will support you through this creative journey, helping you develop your research awareness and providing you with a greater understanding of the implications of developing methodologies and academic inquiries. In turn, this will inform your artistic perspectives with theoretical and methodological rigour. The above modules are complemented by two Professional Focus units. In the autumn term, Professional Focus 1: Public Art Funding and Commissions will give you inside knowledge into aspects of public art such as fundraising, searching for commissions and promoting yourself as an artist / art professional. The spring term will see you delve into the logistic implications of public art experiences as you undertake Professional Focus 2: Project Managing Public Art,. Here, you’ll explore best practice in project management and learn technical skills, including risk assessing, public liability, access and inclusivity. All four modules will inform your final project during the summer term. At this point you will conceive and produce a work of public art to professional standards and exhibit this in the School of Art, Architecture and Design MA show and/or in a chosen public location. Based at London Met's School of Art, Architecture and Design, you’ll have the wonderful opportunity to study at our renowned school of art in the heart of London, a global hub in the art world, home to hundreds of art galleries and museums, art events and a range of other artistic institutions and businesses.