“Since we know not the economy, but culture is the base of societies we need to take material and immaterial culture as the central medium to communicate with each other. We need curators who can take care with in-depth knowledge of cultural mechanisms, values and differences.”
- Pascal Gielen
In 2021, inspired by discussions with colleagues and doctoral candidates regarding the employment prospects of students specializing in multilingualism, interculturality, and art, the postgraduate Postgraduate Program in Asia-Europe Cultural Curatorship Studies was initiated. Recognizing the potential for these students to fully leverage their expertise in the cultural and art sectors both in Belgium and internationally, Prof. Ching Lin Pang (Academic Director of the Program 'Understanding China and other Asian countries is key to understanding the world in the 21st century'), Prof. Pascal Gielen (Director of ARIA), and Prof. Dieter Vermandere (Linguistics) joined forces to establish the Postgraduate Program in Asia-Europe Cultural Curatorship Studies.
The role of future curators transcends mere preservation and presentation of cultural artifacts; it entails a deep comprehension and effective communication of the intricate interplay between (im)material culture, social dynamics, and cultural politics. The programme epitomizes this expansive approach to curatorship, attracting European and Asian students with a global perspective. By fostering an environment that bridges continents and cultures, this program provides a platform for students to delve into the complexities of cultural policy, intercultural interactions, and research methodologies.
Franck, one of our students, shares his motivation for enrolling in the program:
“My motivation for enrolling in this program was the pursuit of art, a longing for Europe and a sense of adventure. In the first semester we were challenged through lectures, brainstorming and team work to explore new meanings of being a curator. During my internship in the Migration Museum in Brussels I co-curated the expo on Chinese entrepreneurs while also learning many facets of curating.”
This testimonial from Franck encapsulates the transformative journey and practical experiences offered by our program, shaping aspiring curators into dynamic agents of cultural dialogue and exchange.