Museum and Curatorial Practice Summer School
A seven-day introduction to exhibition research and curatorial practice. Study objects, gallery spaces and audiences, then prepare a group exhibition proposal.
- Published dates
- 19–25 July 2026
- Duration
- 7 days · teaching approximately 09:00–17:00
- Location
- Shanghai
- Who it is for
- Ages 13–18
- Language of instruction
- Mandarin Chinese
- Format
- Residential; teaching takes place during the day
The dates above refer to the 2026 edition. Please ask the programme team about dates for a future edition.
About the programme
Look closely at how exhibitions work: the objects on display, the labels, the layout and the visitor’s experience. In small groups, choose a curatorial question and prepare a proposal for an exhibition.
Visits, case studies and writing sessions help you shape an exhibition concept and explain it to an audience. The programme suits students interested in art, visual culture, urban space and creative research.
What to expect
- A small exhibition project running through the programme.
- An individual research brief and a group curatorial proposal.
- Sample labels, interpretation texts, a concept board and presentation materials.
What you’ll study
Reading objects and exhibitions
Observe artworks or objects, interpret labels, and examine gallery routes, spaces and visitor experience.
Curatorial thinking
Choose a question you want an exhibition to address. Use it to decide on the theme, objects, narrative and intended audience.
Writing and interpretation
Practise exhibition labels, guide texts, curatorial statements and titles that a public audience can understand.
Presenting the proposal
Turn research into slides, concept boards and a coherent exhibition proposal for the final showcase.
Programme schedule
The outline below is subject to adjustments. Visits, venues and teaching arrangements will be confirmed in the joining information.
Introduction to curation
Programme introduction, annual theme, research log and an initial list of questions. Output: an interests card and first research notes.
Reading exhibitions
Object analysis, label reading, gallery routes and spatial observation. Output: two or three object analysis cards and a short exhibition response.
Research visit
A focused museum or gallery visit around the annual theme, with observation tasks and discussion. Output: field material and an individual question; initial group formation.
From research to a theme
Define the audience, objects and exhibition structure. Output: a group theme, first curatorial statement and structural sketch.
Visitors and interpretation
Writing labels and guide texts, then observing visitor experience and movement in an exhibition space. Output: sample texts and visitor observation notes.
Proposal review
Group slides, tutor critique, peer feedback and individual refinement. Output: the final proposal and individual research brief.
Curatorial showcase
Group presentations and questions, tutor feedback and project archiving.
Projects and completion
- One individual curatorial research brief.
- One small group exhibition proposal, sample labels and other interpretation texts.
- A concept board or presentation and a final group showcase.
How to apply
Who can apply
- School students aged 13–18.
- An interest in at least one of art history, art, design, architecture, museums, urban culture, human geography or public art.
- Basic self-management and willingness to work in a group. Please discuss any significant allergies or health needs with the team before applying.
Application materials
- Complete the online form with student details, a parent or guardian’s contact information and relevant previous learning or activities.
- A short statement of 300–500 Chinese characters explaining your interests, reasons for applying and what you hope to learn.
Application process
- Submit the online application.
- The admissions team normally completes its initial review within 3–5 working days and contacts applicants with the outcome.
- If offered a place, confirm acceptance and pay the required fee by the stated deadline.
- Joining instructions are sent before the programme; where specified, these are issued one week before arrival.
Teaching is in Mandarin Chinese.
Ask about a programme
Leave your contact details. A T.School programme adviser will contact you to discuss the subject, dates, preparation or application process.