Here you can carry out art historical and design research; apply the theories and practice of information science; design and curate digital libraries, archives, and exhibitions; and communicate arts content and design effectively across diverse cultures and societies.
Pratt students at the Morgan Library Reading Room (courtesy Morgan Library & Museum)
History of Art and Design / Library and Information Science at Pratt
The MSLIS/MA History of Art and Design dual-degree program prepares you for careers in art and design, museum, and academic libraries. In this program, you will become an expert on the intersection of art and design and information, going deep into art, design, and historical archives, art and design collections, and more. With fellowship opportunities at NYC’s leading museums, libraries, and archives, such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Frick Art Reference Library, and MoMA, the dual-degree program offers unique experiential learning opportunities.
Student Work
You may also browse completed M.A. History of Art & Design Theses at the Pratt Institute Libraries.
The Experience
Students in the dual-degree MSLIS/MA History of Art and Design program get to experience all Pratt has to offer by taking half of their program (30 credits) at the School of Information based in Manhattan, and the other half in the Department of History of Art and Design on the Brooklyn campus (30 credits). The first two years students take courses in both departments, with much of the thesis work taking place in the third year. With class sizes of just 8-12, you’ll collaborate closely with your cohort and faculty and be learning at the nexus of NYC arts and culture communities.
Internships
Internships at museums, libraries, nonprofit art organizations, and galleries provide professional opportunities in your area of interest and prepare you for future careers. Recent students have interned at prestigious institutions such as the New York Public Library, Franklin Furnace, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Study Abroad
We are pleased to offer study abroad options for dual-degree students, including a new course offered for the first time during spring break 2024: “Artist Archives: Rome/New York”. We also recently celebrated the 35th anniversary of Pratt in Venice, which is a 6-week program that occurs each June and July. For more information on Study Abroad, see where you can go.
Learning Resources
We develop disciplinary fluency in our program of study and we celebrate the interdisciplinary nature of design critical to address the plurality and complexity of the environments in which we operate. Learning resources.
Our Faculty
Pratt’s distinguished faculty of outstanding creative professionals and scholars share a common desire to develop each student’s potential and creativity to the fullest. Bringing different views, methods, and perspectives, they provide a rigorous educational model in which students make and learn. See all History of Art and Design faculty and administrators and School of Information faculty and administrators.
Our Alumni
Pratt’s distinguished alumni are leading diverse and thriving careers, addressing critical challenges and creating innovative work that reimagines our world.
Where They Work
- Librarian, Photographs and Prints Division, New York Public Library
- Archivist, Center for Brooklyn History at Brooklyn Public Library
- IT Project Manager, J. Paul Getty Trust
- Head, Reference & Reader Services, Teachers College, Columbia University
- Web Collection Librarian, Columbia University Libraries
- Dean and Director of Libraries, Bard College
Success Stories
How Can Virtual Spaces Make Art More Accessible?
Prattfolio Story
Ready for More?
| HERE’S HOW TO APPLY | OUR CAMPUS & BEYOND |
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| Join us at Pratt. Learn more about admissions requirements, plan your visit, talk to a counselor, and start your application. Take the next step. | You’ll find yourself at home at Pratt. Learn more about our residence halls, student organizations, athletics, gallery exhibitions, events, the amazing City of New York and our Brooklyn neighborhood communities. Check us out. |
Social media
One Week Left from OHNY!
This Sunday, Pratt will join with other partners throughout the five boroughs to be part of Open House New York @openhousenewyork for the first time.
Join us at Pratt campus for an exclusive self-guided tour of our enchanting sculpture garden or take part in a guided campus tour led by HAD facilitators. Discover hidden gems and spaces typically off-limits to outsiders. We are excited to see you there!
#OHNY #OHNYwknd #hadpratt @prattinstitute
2 months ago
We’re opening our doors for the 21st Annual Open House New York Weekend!
For the first time, Pratt will join with other partners throughout the five boroughs to be part of Open House New York (OHNY). OHNY promotes broad, unparalleled access to the city—to the places, people, projects, systems, and ideas that define New York and its future. Through their year-round programming, including the annual OHNY Weekend festival, OHNY offers a citywide platform for education, exploration, and engagement about the connections between quality of place and quality of life for all New Yorkers.
Launched in 2003, Open House New York Weekend is an annual festival that opens hundreds of noteworthy or significant places across the five boroughs to foster discovery and delight for New Yorkers and visitors alike.
On October 20-22, 2023, the 21st annual OHNY Weekend festival will offer a mix of in-person experiences, self-guided explorations, and digital content—inviting the public to get an insider’s look at an array of cultural spaces.
On Sunday, October 22nd, OHNY participants are invited to the Pratt campus to take a self-guided tour of the sculpture garden or participate in an HAD facilitated guided campus tour. The tour will provide access to spaces not usually open to non-Pratt community members. OHNY is a unique opportunity to share our campus and welcome fellow New Yorkers to Pratt.
Follow our social media @hadpratt and @openhousenewyork on Instagram to learn more. Also find out more at ohny.org/weekend. We look forward to seeing you there!
#OHNYwknd #NewYorkIsOpen #UnlocktheCity #hadpratt
2 months ago
Art of the week: Exploring Transnational Feminism Through Art History
Art transcends borders, languages, and time, and it's a powerful lens through which we can view the global struggle for gender equality. Join me on a journey through the rich tapestry of transnational feminism in art history, illuminated by incredible artworks.
1️⃣ Frida Kahlo's "The Two Fridas" (1939): This iconic painting speaks to the dualities faced by women, reflecting Kahlo's own personal and cultural struggles. Her art embodied her experiences as a Mexican woman, transcending geographical boundaries.
2️⃣ Shirin Neshat's "Women of Allah" series (1993-1997): Neshat's powerful photographs and videos explore the complexities of Iranian women's identities and their resistance against oppressive norms. Her work bridges the gap between Iran and the Western world.
3️⃣ Zanele Muholi's "Faces and Phases" (2006-present): Muholi's photography project documents the lives of Black lesbian and transgender individuals in South Africa.
Their work shines a light on the unique struggles faced by this community, fostering global empathy. Art history reminds us that feminism knows no borders. These artists, among many others, have harnessed the power of creativity to break down barriers, challenge norms, and inspire change.
#ArtoftheWeek #hadpratt #hadprattpostoftheweek #HistoryofArtandDesign #TransnationalFeminism #ArtHistory #GenderEquality #FemaleArtists #EmpowermentThroughArt #EqualityThroughCreativity #InspireChange #ArtActivism #Intersectionality #FeminismInArt
Image credits:
Frida Kahlo. https://www.fridakahlo.org/images/paintings/the-two-fridas.jpg
Smarthistory. https://smarthistory.org/shirin-neshat-rebellious-silence-women-of-allah-series/
The Image Centre. https://theimagecentre.ca/exhibition/zanele-muholi-faces-and-phases/
3 months ago
We are delighted to announce that professor Marsha Morton has published a new co-edited anthology, “Visual Culture and Pandemic Disease since 1750: Capturing Contagion”.
Visit the HAD website in the bio to read more about the publication.
3 months ago
Art of the week
It’s the Barbenheimer Week!
This week we are going to introduce the collaborations of Barbie and famous artists. Mattel has collaborated with famous artists and designers to create limited-edition Barbies with unique designs inspired by art movements and iconic figures. These collaborations bridge the gap between the world of toys and high art, showcasing Barbie as a canvas for artistic expression.
The limited edition Jean-Michel Basquiat x Barbie doll merges art and beauty to pay tribute to the legacy of the American artist. The doll features beautiful dark skin and dreadlocks in the shape of an "X", as well as a crown on her head that resembles Basquiat's signature seal from some of his pieces. Her costumes also pay homage to street art, reminiscent of some of the artist's works.
Courtesy: Mattel
#Barbie #Basquiat #ArtoftheWeek #hadpratt
4 months ago
Art of the week: Thangka
Thangkas are intricate and delicately hand-painted scrolls that originated in the Himalayan region, particularly in Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. These exquisite artworks are typically made on cotton or silk canvas, reflecting the devotion and craftsmanship of the artists. Steeped in religious symbolism, Thangkas offer us glimpses into the spiritual world. They depict Buddhas, bodhisattvas, deities, and mandalas with meticulous attention to detail. These divine portrayals serve as objects of meditation and veneration for practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism.
#artoftheweek #Thangka #hadpratt #TheWheelofExistence
Image reference
Title: The Wheel of Existence (Proper)
Medium: appliqué and embroidery on silk
Dimensions: 111 1/2 x 80 in. (283.2 x 203.2 cm)
Work type: thangka
Retreived from: https://www.artsbma.org/collection/the-wheel-of-existence/
5 months ago
Art of the week:
Georgia O’Keeffe
O'Keeffe (1887-1986) was famous for her flower paintings, but she also created impressive series of works in different mediums. Throughout her career, O'Keeffe transformed the same themes, creating motifs that were a blend of observation and abstraction. During a period of experimentation from 1915 to 1918, she produced many works on paper, including bold lines, organic landscapes, frank nudes, and abstract charcoals she called "specials". This was as many works as O'Keeffe produced in the next four decades.
O’Keeffe created the From the Lake in 1924. In this artwork, Georgia O'Keeffe creates abstract designs inspired by the landscapes of stormy Lake George country. Her compositions mark the continuation of her abstract vision in the 1920s, while also moving toward more representational views of the world around her.
#artoftheweek #GeorgiaOKeeffe #hadpratt
Image reference
From the Lake by Georgia O'Keeffe
Date: 1924
Style: Precisionism
Genre: abstract
Retreived from: https://www.wikiart.org/en/georgia-o-keeffe/from-the-lake/
5 months ago
Art of the week:
Bauhaus Design Movement
Bauhaus, founded in 1919 by Walter Gropius, aimed to unite fine arts, crafts, and technology. With a focus on simplicity, practicality, and geometric forms, Bauhaus design transformed the way we perceive architecture, interior design, and everyday objects. From sleek furniture to avant-garde buildings, the movement's impact is undeniable. 🖼️✍️
“Our guiding principle was that design is neither an intellectual nor a material affair, but simply and integral part of the stuff of life, necessary for everyone in a civilized society”, said Walter Groupius.
At the core of Bauhaus lies the belief that design should serve a purpose beyond aesthetics. Every form, every line, and every material used served a functional role, with no element deemed unnecessary. The movement's philosophy championed the idea of creating practical yet visually appealing objects that seamlessly integrated into daily life. 💎🔍
Bauhaus embraced the advancements of the industrial age, exploring the possibilities of new materials and manufacturing techniques. It celebrated the marriage of art and technology, allowing for innovative designs that were not limited by traditional constraints. The movement's interdisciplinary approach fostered collaborations and pushed the boundaries of creative expression. 🚀🎨
Even a century later, the Bauhaus movement continues to inspire countless artists, designers, and architects worldwide. Its clean lines, bold colors, and emphasis on functionality can be seen in modern furniture, architecture, graphic design, and more. Bauhaus remains a testament to the enduring power of design that transcends time. 🌈🔝
#artoftheweek #bauhaus #hadpratt #BauhausDesignMovement #HistoryofArtandDesign #ArtMeetsTechnology
Image: Club Chair (Model B3) | The Wassily Chair
Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wassily_Chair#/media/File:Bauhaus_Chair_Breuer.png
5 months ago
Art of the week:
Vincent Van Gogh’s Wheat Field with Cypresses
Van Gogh became interested in incorporating cypresses into his work in June 1889, and decided to create a series of paintings featuring the majestic trees. He painted on-the-spot studies of the cypresses, including a close-up vertical view and a majestic horizontal composition illustrated in reed-pen drawings. The piece in question was one of Van Gogh's favourite summer landscapes, and he was inspired to create two studio renditions of it in September: one on the same scale, which is now in the National Gallery in London, and a smaller replica for his mother and sister, which is held in a private collection. Van Gogh's cypress paintings are known for their distinctive use of rich impasto.
The exhibition focusing on Van Gogh’s cypresses is now on view in the Met Museum thru August 27, 2023.
#artoftheweek #vangogh #hadpratt #Impressionism #VanGoghCypresses
Image reference
Title: Wheat Field with Cypresses
Artist: Vincent van Gogh (Dutch, Zundert 1853–1890 Auvers-sur-Oise)
Date: June 1889
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 28 7/8 × 36 3/4 in. (73.2 × 93.4 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Purchase, The Annenberg Foundation Gift, 1993
Accession Number: 1993.132
Retrieved from: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/436535
6 months ago
Join us for School of Information Open Forum on Friday, December 8th at 4:45p-5:30p in PMC 610 or Zoom. If joining via Zoom, please register for the link (available via the link in our bio). The semi-annual Open Forum includes Dean Cocciolo providing updates from across the school to the SI community, and taking in feedback from the community. And stick around for the holiday party right after!
4 days ago
We are pleased to announce a new @prattischool fellowship for the spring '24 semester in the area of archives with the Hauser & Wirth Institute (@hauserwirthinstitute). The Hauser & Wirth Institute Archives fellow will work on the archival appraisal and selection of part of the institutional records of The Drawing Center (@thedrawingcenter). The Drawing Center is a museum and a nonprofit exhibition space in Manhattan, New York City, that focuses on the exhibition of drawings, both historical and contemporary. Application deadline is December 15th! For more details and to apply, please visit our Fellowships page (very bottom); link available in our bio.
1 week ago
On this Giving Tuesday, consider supporting our fellowships that fund students to engage in significant work at NYC's cultural institutions. Give to the Fund for Pratt - School of Information. More on our giving and our fellowships via the link in our bio.
1 week ago
What library school did Mary eventually enroll in? There is only one correct answer. Priority admissions deadline for our Masters in Library & Information Science and other MS programs is January 5th! #PrattInstitute #ParkerPosey #PartyGirl1995.
2 weeks ago
Join us Friday, December 8th at 5:30pm for the School of Information Holiday Party on the 2nd floor of Pratt Manhattan Center. Wine, hors d’oeuvres and karaoke will be served. Please RSVP via the email invitation; if you did not receive one please email Dean Cocciolo (acocciol@pratt.edu). Open to the School of Information community, friends and family.
3 weeks ago
MSLIS student Gabriella Evergreen's queer geography quilt projects are featured in a Pratt News article. Link available in our bio.
3 weeks ago
Hello! We present to you the A.E.I.O.YOU toolkit for ethics in technology and design practice.
The A.E.I.O.YOU toolkit provides technology practitioners with reflective tools to learn about their ethical awareness, responsibility, and trajectory from the perspectives of Artifacts (methods or designs created), Ecology (your company or team), Interactions (with other roles), Other Practitioners, and YOU (as individual practitioners). The vowels in the A.E.I.O.YOU toolkit describe flavors that evoke and surface various kinds of support needed by technology and design practitioners to investigate. You can interact with these toolkits on the website: https://shruthichivukula.com/aeiou-toolkit through printed materials or #miro boards. Link available in our bio.
If you/ your team are a group of UX Designers/ Researchers, Software Engineers, Product Managers, Data Scientists, Hardware Engineers interested in reflecting on ethical positions, responsibilities, dilemmas, and include ethics in your everyday work, this toolkit is for you.
We would love to collaborate with you/your team/ firm to conduct workshops using these toolkits. Reach out to schivuku@pratt.edu/ smehta21@pratt.edu to collaborate!
#ethics #technology #UXDesign #ux #community #values #ProductManagement #miro
Regards,
The A.E.I.O.YOU Team
3 weeks ago
It's the School of Information November newsletter with student, alumni, and faculty news and more! Link available in our bio.
4 weeks ago
Do you dig physical computing? Checkout some photos from last Friday's micro:bit workshop with Prof. Chivukula.
1 month ago
