Museum Communication Museum Studies

Museum Communication

Museum Communication is the field of study committed to exploring the transmission of information from, among, and to cultural institutions, audiences, stakeholders, and partners.

Are you looking for an opportunity to explore the theory and practice of development & fund raising, marketing, public relations, collections management, and advocacy? The MCOM Program will give you an opportunity to develop the professional and intellectual skills that you need to shape the future of museums.

Who are we looking for?

Our students recognize the role of public collections as necessarily interdisciplinary. We want you to bring your own perspectives, experiences, and academic disciplinary expertise to your study of museum practice.

What sets our program apart?

Our unique combination of coursework, studio training, independent research, internships, presentations, and projects will help you further your professional career. By combining studio experience with other forms of instruction, our curriculum ensures that graduates are adept at using visual communication strategies to accomplish institutional objectives.

Why Philadelphia?

The University of the Arts is advantageously located in Center City Philadelphia along the Avenue of the Arts. In 2011, Travel and Leisure Magazine readers voted the city the #1 destination for culture (http://www.travelandleisure.com/americas-favorite-cities/2011/city/philadelphia), citing Philadelphia’s quality and important historical sites/monuments, museums, art galleries, classical music, and theatre/performance art. This abundance of arts and cultural richness benefits museum studies graduate students by providing exposure and access to a wide variety or of cultural organizations.

In addition to arts and culture, Philadelphia boasts a full calendar of social events highlighting the city’s history, dining, nightlife, music, sporting events, and outdoor activities, year-round. Philadelphia’s website, www.visitphilly.com, dedicates itself to listing these events to increase awareness and promote participation.

Philadelphia values its history and culture, and the breadth of museums and cultural organizations is a reflection of point of civic pride. The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance helps to support, promote, and strengthen Philadelphia’s cultural sector, and is “the region’s premier leadership, advocacy, and audience development organization for arts and culture.” Visit their site for to learn more and see current employment opportunities in the arts and culture sector: (http://www.philaculture.org/about)

Philadelphia is close to annual international conferences, often held in Washington DC, New York City, and other metropolitan areas. For example, Agenda Communications Agency hosts Communicating the Museum every year, which “gathers communications professionals from over 2,500 organizations from 40 countries worldwide” to engage in networking and discussion about marketing practices (http://agendacom.com/en/communicating_the_museum/about/). The conference offers recognized guest speakers, social gatherings, and conference programs.

This is an exciting time for the museum community in Philadelphia. 2012 will be a banner year for the City’s arts and cultural sector. For example, the Barnes Foundation’s new Philadelphia campus will debut on the already culturally rich Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the Rodin Museum will reopen after a two-year renovation. See this link to experience the excitement and see the investment the city is making to market arts and culture in Philadelphia over the next two years: http://withart.visitphilly.com/

The city’s other 40 museums (and over 270 arts & cultural organizations) will continue their outstanding programming and activities for local residents and tourists alike.

As you can see, Philadelphia boasts a vibrant arts, culture, and heritage scene. The Museum Studies Department is well connected and respected within the region’s museum community. Consider applying to the Museum Communication Program for an opportunity to be part of our city and region’s museum community.