The School of Visual Arts (SVA) in Manhattan has announced the discontinuation of its Master of Arts degree in Curatorial Practice, a program founded by Steven Henry Madoff, who will retire in May 2027. This two-year program, which welcomed 14 first-year students last fall, will no longer accept new applicants, as stated on the department's website.
In a communication to faculty, Madoff revealed that upon informing SVA President David Rhodes of his retirement plans, the decision was made to terminate the degree track. He highlighted the school's ongoing financial difficulties, which have previously led to significant faculty layoffs.
The impact of this closure on current faculty members, particularly those teaching first-year courses, remains uncertain. Most educators at SVA are contracted adjuncts who recently formed a union, with negotiations for their first contract still in progress. Joan Hilty, a member of the bargaining committee, emphasized the proposal of a 'lookaround clause' to support affected faculty by offering them teaching opportunities in other departments in case of program closures.
Established in 2013, the Curatorial Practice program featured a distinguished faculty of independent and institutional curators, arts writers, and architects. Among the founding members was David A. Ross, a notable figure in the art world, who recently stepped down from his role as chair of the MFA program.
This closure follows a trend in U.S. art schools, where several programs have been dissolved amid declining enrollments and budget constraints. The SVA previously closed its art writing MFA program in 2020 after 16 years, further highlighting the challenges faced by arts education institutions.
As the landscape of arts education continues to evolve, the decision to close the Curatorial Practice program reflects broader shifts and the need for adaptation within the academic community.