Through hands-on research, UBC’s Department of Art History, Visual Art and Theory advances the study of art history, critical and curatorial studies, and visual art.

The department comprises three streams of research-based learning and practice:

  • Art history (ARTH) focuses on theoretical and critical discourses concerning the social impact of art and visual representation in diverse cultural and historical contexts.
  • Critical and curatorial studies (CCST) provide theoretical, historical, and professional training in curating by examining art and exhibition contexts through research and exhibition projects.
  • Visual art (VISA), focusing on artistic production and cross-disciplinary research, emphasizes contributing to/participation in the field of contemporary international art.