Training in cultural policy and management: international ... - Encatc

Profiles: Lithuania
Vilnius Academy of Fine Arts
UNESCO Cultural Management and Cultural Policy Chair, Maironio str. 6
Vilnius 2600
Lithuania
Director: Gabriele Zaidyte, Chairholder
Phone: +370 2 623 749
Fax: +370 2 623 749
E-mail: gabriele.zaidyte@vda.lt
Web site: unesco.vda.lt
Background, orientation and purpose
The UNESCO Cultural Management and Cultural Policy Chair at Vilnius Academy of Fine Arts is the first
academic institution in Lithuania, in fact in all the Baltic States, to offer a master’s degree programme
in Cultural Administration and Cultural Policy that meets international standards.
The creative and interdisciplinary structure of cultural institutions do not provide professionals with a
traditional managerial education the skills they need to meet the demands established by our modern
culture. A goal of the programme is to develop highly qualified master’s degree specialists in cultural
management, who are capable of carrying out theoretical and research activities as well as performing
a practical job. Admission will comply with the general admission procedures of Vilnius Academy of
Fine Arts. In June 2000, in order to develop the highest quality training programme, the UNESCO
Chair established an international board. Members of the board are Mr Mate Kovacs, Mrs Ugne
Karvelis, Prof. Lidia Varbanova, Prof. Herwig Poeschl, Brigitte Remer, Prof. Dr Hermann Voesgen, and
Sue Kay.
Programme(s) and qualification(s)
Master’s degree in Cultural Management and Cultural Policy.
Duration
2 years.
Content
The study programme consists of 4 key courses, each lasting a full semester. The first course gives
students an introduction to the basic principles of management, European cultural history and
supplementary theoretical subjects. Significant attention will be given to foreign languages. The
second course focuses on specific aspects of cultural management. The students receive information
on European cultural development in the 20th century, the aspirations of international cultural cooperation
and the infrastructure of Europe’s cultural institutions, by combining theoretical teaching
with practical tasks. The third and fourth courses are reserved for students’ independent work under
the supervision of the advising professor. During the first year, the students also receive a detailed
presentation of new methodologies to accomplish practical activities. Significant attention will be
focused on short specialised courses enabling the students to extend their knowledge in a field of their
own interest. The main task of the fourth course is the course paper. The course is designed for
practical implementation of independent projects developed by the students. The students can also
choose courses given by visiting professors. Placements last 2 months; both local and international
assignments are possible. The course starts yearly. Deadlines for the applications are 1 June for the
autumn semester and 15 November for spring semester.
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