Click here for Application procedures and Program Information

The School of Art offers specialist studies in Public Art / Art and Public Space.

Study options include:

1. Graduate Certificate in Public Art (C0027)
2. Graduate Diploma in Art and Public Space (GD070)
3. Master of Art and Public Space (MC079)

What is Public Art?
In this context the term refers to all types of work created outside the gallery or domestic space: Street Sculpture, Constructed Landscapes, Light Works, Multiples and Published Works, Street Art, Virtual Projects, Wall Painting, Public Installation, Collaborative Work with Architects, Landscape Designers and Urban Planners, Multidisciplinary Works and Projects responding to or integral with a Public Environment.

The works generally draw on collaborative processes but may be carried out by individual practitioners. Artists may produce components for the work themselves or commission other professional services, acting as coordinator or project manager. The artist may also combine both these approaches, so allowing flexibility and diversity in the methods of creation.

About the Programs
Studies are project based with students having the opportunity to work collaboratively around the four key areas of investigation:

1. History and Theories of Public Art

2. Professional Practice and Project Management

3. Technology and Production

4. Concept Development, Project and Studio Practice

The programs are designed as holistic practices with students integrating the key areas of investigation into their project work.

Graduate Certificate in Public Art
Applicants may be selected from across all fields of art, design, architecture, film, related sciences and public administration. Diversity of background and experience is encouraged.Students who have completed special units from the Diploma of Visual Arts Public Art are not requested to undertake prerequisite units.RPL may be available to those with specific Public Art industry experience at a high level.This program including prerequisites is completed over two semesters and builds around four projects and a three week intensive program of lectures, workshops and discussions, designed to give a broad overview of current practice. It provides a comprehensive stand-alone qualification or acts as a pathway through the Graduate Diploma to Masters studies.With prerequisites it can be completed in one semester.

Graduate Diploma in Art and Public Space
Following a pathway from the Graduate Certificate, this program is undertaken over one semester and is based around a developed project, taken through concept development to detailed design and comprises four key study areas:

1. History and Theories of Public Art

2. Professional Practice

3. Studio and Technology

4. Project and Concept Development.

The program is made up of 48 credit points.

Master of Art and Public Space
This program comprises one semester added to the Graduate Diploma and preliminary studies.

A major project will be undertaken. This can be a work in its own right or the developed stage of plans created in earlier points of study, eg the Graduate Diploma. The project may be taken to completion or presented as a highly developed concept. It must include some form of substantial public intervention actually implemented. As with the previous study, it is constructed around four key study areas:

1. History and Theories of Public Art

2. Professional Practice

3. Studio and Technology

4. Project and Concept Development.

The program is made up of 48 credit points.

Research
SITE, the RMIT Unit for Public Art, undertakes extensive research in the field. Working in partnership with both public and private partners, the Unit develops projects in Australia and overseas.

Internationally renowned writer and art theorist, Lucy Lippard writes about this program: “Their practice as much as their projects provide a model for those all over the world who know that art really does build bridges and bears witness to its times”.

Research and program staff are all noted Public Art practitioners.

International Practice
RMIT Public Art/Art and Public Space works regularly with overseas partners. International projects are undertaken and students have the opportunity to participate in one overseas project as a specialist field trip when available. Such projects have recently been conducted in China, Italy and Turkey.

Career Prospects
The program offers the experience required to produce Public Art projects in the professional environment. or get the theoretical expertise to work in the field of criticism and specialised arts management. Students will attain the training to act as client representatives and Public Art project, business and site managers.

The program provides knowledge and expertise in international practice, enabling students to undertake work in a range of locations around the world.

Who can apply to enter these Programs?
Public Art is a developing and inclusive field. Applicants are invited from across the fields of art, design, architecture, film, related sciences and public administration. Cross-disciplinary work is recognised and diversity of background and experience is encouraged in applicants.

Mode and Duration
Please note: part-time study is not available to international students

Graduate Certificate in Public Art
Two semesters including pre-requisites

Graduate Diploma
One semester

Master of Art in Public Space
One semester

2005 Fees (Local Students)
$5,040.00 Master of Art in Public Space
$ 5,040.00 Graduate Diploma

Financial Assistance for Students Enrolled in Full-Fee Paying Programs
A scheme called FEE-HELP (Fee-Higher Education Loan Program), enables eligible full-fee paying students to obtain an interest-free loan up to a maximum value of $50,000 from the Commonwealth Government to pay all of part of their tuition fees incurred from 2005 onwards.For further information: www.dest.gov.au/highered

Please note: TAFE Fees apply for the Graduate Certificate program

RMIT Equity Places
RMIT Equity Places help to make postgraduate coursework programs more accessible by providing places for Australian residents with special needs or from disadvantaged backgrounds.For further information: http://www.rmit.edu.au/equity/Default_Label or contact Geoff Hogg on (03) 9925 1967.

Entrance Requirements
A tertiary qualification in a relevant area and industrial experience.
Substantial industry experience can be considered for RPL providing an alternative entrance pathway.

Study Pathways
On the basis of the interview, students may be admitted into the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master by Coursework.

Professional Recognition
The program, the first of its kind in Australia, was initiated by a Program Development Committee including representatives from the fine arts, architecture, geography, urban planning, art history and theory, and arts administration.This program has substantial international recognition working with a range of supporting institutions around the world.

Career Prospects
The program offers the experience required to produce Public Art projects in the professional environment, or gain theoretical expertise to work in the field of criticism and specialised arts management.Students will attain the training to act as client representatives and Public Art project, business and site managers.

The program provides knowledge and expertise in international practice, enabling students to undertake work in a range of locations around the world

Further Information
For further information contact Geoff Hogg, Program Co-ordinator on (03) 9925 1967.