ART THEORY AND PRACTICE

Welcome to the Department of Art Theory & Practice (AT&P) at the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University. The department has both an undergraduate program, offering a baccalaureate degree, and a graduate program, offering a Masters of Fine Arts degree.

Check this site regularly for newly listed events and updated information | Click here to receive email
announcements of AT&P public events.

welcome to the department of art theory & practice
apply | contact | map

Welcome to the Department of Art Theory & Practice (AT&P). As our name suggests, we explore both the making of contemporary art and the ideas and theories that drive it. We strive to foster intellectual independence, intense critical dialogue and cutting-edge practices that push the boundaries of aesthetic and cultural experience.

Toward this end, AT&P has assembled a faculty consisting of widely exhibited and acclaimed artists. Their practices represent diverse artistic interests, traditions and media, giving students access to a variety of viewpoints. In addition, our Visiting Artist Program brings contemporary artists from around the world to campus to speak, visit classes and have one-on-one critiques with advanced students.

There are other ways our students become involved with contemporary art at Northwestern as well. The Department sponsors student exhibitions in the Dittmar Gallery in Norris Center, Northwestern's student activities hub, and at the Mary and Leigh Block Museum. The Block Museum's exhibition program is a great resource for students, as is its print study room. Many of our students compliment our curriculum with course offerings in neighboring departments, from Art History and the rest of the Humanities to the Department of Radio/TV/Film and the Animate Arts Program. AT&P takes advantage of the wide array of contemporary art venues in Chicago, incorporating visits to museums and galleries into courses and keeping students informed about current exhibitions and events.