The World University of Design (WUD) has launched India’s first dedicated Master of Visual Arts (MVA) in Curation of Contemporary Art & Design, addressing the country’s surging demand for skilled curators amid a rapidly growing art market. This groundbreaking two-year program, designed to international standards, aims to prepare India’s next generation of cultural leaders by equipping them with expertise in exhibition-making, institution-building, and socially engaged curation.
While curation has previously been part of broader art curricula, WUD is the first institution in India to offer a standalone master’s program, opening new career pathways for students to thrive in global curatorial roles.
Highlighting the program’s significance, Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor of WUD, said, “With the global art market valued at $73.43 billion and growing at 3.10% annually, and India’s art market doubling to $250 million with a 14.9% growth rate, demand for trained curators has never been greater. Our program delivers world-class training to bridge art, artists, and communities during this cultural renaissance.”
Students will receive mentorship from renowned curators and artists, hands-on training through exhibitions, workshops, and international projects, and collaborations with prestigious galleries like Kala Srot Gallery (Lucknow), Niv Art Centre (Delhi), and The Art Route Gallery (Gurgaon). The curriculum combines art history, museum studies, and anthropology to foster interdisciplinary expertise, while sponsorships offering ₹1,00,000 fee discounts will support select students.
Prof. Rajan Shripad Fulari, Dean, School of Visual Arts, added, “The program balances academic research with collaborative, socially engaged practices. Students gain real-world experience curating experimental exhibits, building meaningful links between artists, institutions, and communities, and driving cross-disciplinary cultural exchange.”
Graduates will emerge as future-ready cultural leaders, adept at navigating museums, galleries, and the art market with inclusive, innovative curatorial practices.
The academic session begins in August 2025. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline and a minimum of 50% marks can apply. Admissions, based on the PG Art Aptitude Test and interview, are open until August 10, with online entrance exams held every Friday.
