In New York City, one of the world's great art centers, the art industry earns yearly revenues approaching a billion dollars. Art of every variety is exhibited and sold here, in countless museums, galleries, and auction houses.
Curators and conservators make up only a small part of an art institution's staff; up to 85 percent of employees are the trained professionals responsible for critical functions ranging from communications and marketing to visitor services. Responding to industry needs, the?Art History and?Museum Professions?program prepares students for non-curatorial positions in such areas as collections management, development, information technology, public relations, rights and reproductions, and special events.
There's no substitute for FIT's location, in New York's Chelsea neighborhood, just blocks from a vibrant gallery scene and a short subway or bus ride from some of the most important art institutions in the world. With a faculty of practicing professionals, you'll get an inside perspective on the art world, networking with experts in all aspects of art management. In your senior seminar, which is coordinated with an exhibition at a local museum, you'll study the process of putting together a museum exhibition from concept to presentation, meeting staff in such areas as press, merchandising, insurance, art handling, and more. This interdisciplinary program draws on FIT's strengths in art history, business, technology, and design. You'll graduate prepared for an entry-level position or advanced education in the field.