Contemporary Art

Contemporary Art at the Estonian Academy of Arts is a dynamic and innovative program designed to engage students with the evolving landscape of visual arts in the 21st century. This program aims to foster critical thinking, experimental practice, and interdisciplinary approaches, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary artistic phenomena, theories, and practices. Throughout the course of study, students are encouraged to explore a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, installation, video, performance, and digital media, enabling them to develop a versatile and adaptive artistic voice.

The program emphasizes the importance of contextualization within global art discourses while maintaining a strong connection to local and regional cultures. Students learn to analyze and critique contemporary art while developing their own unique projects and concepts. The curriculum integrates theoretical seminars, studio work, workshops, and collaborative projects, offering a well-rounded educational experience that combines practical skills with critical inquiry. Students also have access to the university’s extensive facilities and resources, including workshops, labs, and exhibition spaces, facilitating experimentation and presentation of their work.

Moreover, Contemporary Art at the Estonian Academy of Arts promotes engagement with the broader cultural sector through partnerships with galleries, museums, and art institutions. Graduates of this program acquire the skills necessary for careers in art production, curatorial practice, curation, art criticism, and cultural management, as well as the pursuit of further academic research. The program is led by experienced faculty members who are active practitioners and researchers in the field, ensuring that students are mentored by leading professionals. Embracing innovation and critical engagement, the program prepares students to participate actively in the global art scene and contribute meaningfully to contemporary cultural dialogues.

I semester

• Problems of 20th-21st century philosophy
• Art & theory
• Questions of contemporary art 1
• Group crit
• Visiting practice
• Masterclasses
• Studio project 1

II semester

• Artistic research
• Optional subject
• Questions of contemporary art 2
• Curatorial project
• Installation practice
• Masterclasses
• Studio project 2

III semester

• Academic writing
• Creative industries
• Questions of contemporary art 3
• Work discourse
• MA seminar
• Student study group
• Optional subject
• Studio project 3

IV semester

• Presentation techniques 1
• MA thesis

The admission deadline for international applicants is March 1, 2021.

Admission requirements

• Application (submitted through Dream Apply between 01.02–01.03.2021)
• 50€ application fee (paid via bank transfer)
• Copy of your Bachelor’s degree certificate or equivalent and its translation into Estonian or English (both, copies and translations have to be attested by notary).
• Copy of your Transcript of Records (and translation into Estonian or English; both copy and translation must be attested by notary).
• Certificate of foreign language skills, see the requirements HERE
• Copy of the data page of your passport or ID-card
• CV
• Motivation letter (max 500 words)
• Portfolio (as digital/PDF) of at least 7 works, max 20Mb
• Outline describing the scope of your MA project/s in terms of media, approach and concept (max 500 words)

More information about admission requirements: https://www.artun.ee/en/admissions/masters/admissions/

The financing of the Contemporary Art bachelor’s degree program at the Estonian Academy of Arts primarily stems from a combination of state funding, student tuition fees, and supplementary financial support. As a public university, the Estonian Academy of Arts benefits significantly from national and European funding initiatives aimed at promoting arts education and fostering cultural development within Estonia and across the European Union. State budget allocations provide a substantial portion of the program’s financial resources, ensuring the availability of high-quality facilities, experienced faculty, and comprehensive educational materials.

Tuition fees constitute a vital component of the program’s funding structure. For local students, the tuition is usually subsidized by the government, making education accessible and affordable. International students, depending on their nationality and residency status, may be required to pay higher fees, which contribute directly to the operational costs of the program. The fees are periodically reviewed and adjusted in accordance with inflation, economic conditions, and institutional budget considerations.

In addition to public funding, the Estonian Academy of Arts actively seeks external grants, sponsorships, and project-based funding from cultural foundations, European Union programs, and private donors. These funds support specific initiatives such as research projects, exhibitions, international collaborations, and masterclasses, enriching the students’ learning environment and broadening their professional opportunities.

The university also encourages students to engage in internships and work placements that may partially offset tuition costs or generate supplementary income. Moreover, scholarship programs are available for outstanding students or those facing financial hardship, ensuring equal access to arts education regardless of socioeconomic background. These scholarships are funded through university resources, alumni donations, or external partnerships.

In summary, the funding of the Contemporary Art program at the Estonian Academy of Arts involves a diverse mix of government support, tuition fees, external grants, and scholarships. This multifaceted financial structure ensures the program’s sustainability and its capacity to provide comprehensive, high-quality education to aspiring contemporary artists while fostering innovation and cultural participation.

The Contemporary Art programme at the Estonian Academy of Arts is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary artistic practices and theories. It aims to foster innovative thinking and critical engagement with art in its various forms, including installation, performance, video, digital media, and new technologies. The programme emphasizes the development of individual artistic voice while encouraging students to explore interdisciplinary approaches and engage with current social, political, and cultural debates. Throughout the programme, students have access to a wide range of workshops, studio practice, lectures, and seminars led by experienced artists, curators, and scholars. The curriculum includes theoretical courses that cover contemporary art history, theory, aesthetics, and criticism, alongside practical studio-based projects. Students are also encouraged to participate in exhibitions, art festivals, and international residencies, providing valuable opportunities for professional development and international networking. The programme aims to prepare graduates for careers in artistic creation, curatorial work, arts administration, and other related fields. Students are also supported in developing their own projects and portfolios, with guidance from faculty members who are active practitioners in the contemporary art scene. The Estonian Academy of Arts fosters a creative and collaborative environment, where emerging artists can experiment with new ideas and mediums, and contribute to the evolving landscape of contemporary art. The programme is characterized by its innovative curriculum, international orientation, and close connections with contemporary art institutions and professionals.