Museion and Free University of Bolzano Launch FOAM Master in Museum Practices

A new collaboration between a public art museum and a university has led to the creation of FOAM – Future of Art Museums, a first-level Master in contemporary museum practices. Offered by the Faculty of Design and Arts of the Free University of Bolzano and Museion – Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Bolzano, the program begins in March 2025. Applications are open until October 15, 2024. The master features theoretical and practical courses taught by international figures including designers, writers, museum directors, curators, and faculty from unibz and Museion staff. The first edition focuses on social responsibility, inviting participants to develop projects exploring the museum as a critical agent. The curriculum centers on ICOM's 2022 museum definition emphasizing accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability alongside education, conservation, and heritage promotion. FOAM promotes the museum as a significant agent of social transformation, an informal learning space, and a civic forum engaged with local communities while maintaining international relevance. Targeted at emerging contemporary art professionals, the program aims to equip them with theoretical and practical tools to creatively address the evolving role of art museums. Courses are organized in clusters to allow attendance without full-time residency in Bolzano, and all instruction is in English.