Course content. 
Would you like to consolidate the contextualisation and positioning of your own artistic practice? Your curriculum is centred around your artistic practice, which you develop and refine guided by your own questions and interests and learn to locate in the field of contemporary art discourses. The Minor also equips you with practical and theoretical knowledge about process-oriented approaches and methods for charting contexts (e.g., researching literature, interviews, experimental arrangements, field studies). You document your work processes in artistic formats of your choice (e.g., archive, collection of materials, mapping, diary, video and audio) so as to make them available for reflection and dissemination. You discuss your insights and experiences with fellow students, artists, and theorists in colloquia held on a regular basis. In this dialogue between individual practice and collective reflection, you hone your ability to contextualize and position your work. 

Skills acquired in the course. 
You learn how to
—  Incorporate new contexts for your artistic work on the basis of your own knowledge interests. 
—  Develop a research attitude in, with and through your artistic practice.  
—  Analyse relevant contexts for your practice and position yourself there with the aim of being well-informed for your role in art and society. 
—  Display and communicate your processes, experiences and findings in a suitable format.  
—  Develop your ability to critically read artworks, information, texts, and methods.  

Admissions requirements. 
The Minor in “Art in Context” is aimed at Master’s students who are interested in process and research-oriented artistic practices. You have well-developed communicative and reflective skills, an independent artistic practice, and knowledge of contemporary art. You are able to work independently.  

Benefits of studying at ZHdK. 
In the Minor in “Art in Context”, you have considerable freedom to design your own curriculum. You are able to attend open modules from courses across ZHdK, visit exhibitions and conferences, deepen contexts of your work in your own projects, and open up to new contexts. The Minor study programme cooperates with the research faculty at the Department of Fine Arts. If you are interested, this Minor course also prepares you for an academic career within the scope of a PhD. Moreover, the study programme in English enhances your language skills.  

Time structure.
The modules of this minor take place on Friday afternoons between 1 and 6 p.m. throughout the academic year. In calendar weeks 2, 3 and 4, as well as in calendar weeks 8, 9 and 10, the minors are taught in block weeks from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The exact times depend on the minor chosen.

→ More information about this minor (PDF download)

At ZHdK, students choose a Major. In addition to this core subject, they can choose one or two Minors to deepen or expand their major skills and knowledge across various disciplines. This wide choice of courses is unique in Europe and enables students to develop and sharpen their individual profile.