Cultural Production

A full-time (1 year) or part-time programme (2 years, UK students only) with 4 x 30 credit modules and 1 x 60 credit dissertation or major project module. The taught (30 credit) modules are six weeks’ long. Teaching at Dartington is concentrated into two-week periods for each of the first four modules, with supported e-learning and independent learning inbetween.

The MFA option involves a further 60 credits of study resulting in a significant, self initiated public outcome, performance, exhibition or publication. Participants will be drawn from our own MA programmes as well as those from other institutions.

A full-time (1 year) or part-time programme (2 years, UK students only) with 4 x 30 credit modules. Students taking the full-time option will study all four modules during the first two terms.  For full details on part-time pathways, please contact us.

A full-time programme with 2 x 30 credit modules. Students will study both modules during term one.

The first module from this course can be studied on a standalone basis, with 30 credits allocated per module.

To apply for the accredited single module option, apply in the usual way, selecting the ‘Module One’ option during the application process.

Modules 1 and 2 and 3 run sequentially during term 1 and 2. Module 4 runs for the whole of term 3 and is the final project for students exiting with an MA. For those wishing to undertake an MFA they will attend for a further 2 terms full time or 1 year part time. Below are draft modules, which are indicative only at this stage, though we hope to confirm more details soon.

Principles of Cultural Production and Management (30 credits)

The module explores practical and theoretical issues surrounding Arts and Cultural Management. It looks at the changing cultural landscape, the Arts councils 10 year stratergy, changes to the cultural landscape post Covid and Brexit and the opportunities that arise. It examines the consequences of shifting cultural policy, regionality, parity and accessibility. It looks at audiences and participation and what is genuine engagement. And it looks at value, both financial and societal. The module also starts to build level 7 research knowledge and approaches.

The Producer’s Tool Kit (30 credits)

This module aims to build or enhance an essential tool kit required to be an effective Cultural producer. It covers through a number of lectures and practical assignments, skills as diverse as digital marketing, funding applications, evaluation skills, audience development, leadership skills and the skills required to self start and generate opportunities outside of the current cultural establishment. The module explores how the cultural sector is both distinct but also draws on the work of other areas of the economy/society. Additionally, this module requires students to project forward, to imagine their career trajectory, to understand their own strengths and areas for development and to plan their ongoing Personal Development Plan.

Space, Curation, Programming (60 credits)

This module requires the practical application of skills acquired to date, to be applied to a number of live and simulated assignments. Students will work both individually and in groups, in traditional cultural contexts and in popup real world and virtual environments. Students will make proposals, devise funding strategies, create marketing plans, devise curatorial frame works, produce programme plans, Catalogue essays etc. The module provides a setting to question the nature of how cultural venues are set up and are run against a background of shifting cultural policy. These activities will take place both in the lecture space as well as through a number of partner organisations.

MA Dissertation/Final Project (60 credits)

This module supports the student’s Cultural, Management and production skills. Students will devise and negotiate an appropriate and relevant personal assignment which will enable them to demonstrate their practical, creative, theoretical and reflective practice. The module culminates in a public showing of work, relevant and authentic to the practice alongside the submission of a formal piece of writing. Outputs from the module will evidence the depth of development and synthesis of knowledge from the programme.

MFA Professional Project (60 credits)

This module is self-initiated from the outset and prioritises individual research, conducted under supervision with identified tutors and other mentors and external advisors considered essential to the study. MFA students learn from and contribute to the delivery of the module through their interaction with peers, tutors and the wider arts and cultural community. Emphasis is placed upon independence, originality, initiative and enterprise. Teaching and learning will be complimented by the wide range of visiting lecturers (e.g. artists, Curators, choreographers, directors, performers composers, critics, producers, etc), providing the opportunity to discuss work with renowned experts. Students will develop individual opportunities with national and/or international venues, opportunities, agencies, etc., which may also result in working independently or at distance. Culmination of the module is the production of a substantial and resolved creative outcome that will be exhibited/performed/published and assessed in an appropriate public arena.