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London is a vibrant city with culture colouring every nook and cranny. From the plethora of artistic creations of all times and regions to music-related events, the arts are a big part of its identity. Ideally located in this cosmopolitan landscape, the School of Arts at SOAS University of London manages to stand out. It is one of only a few global centres focused on the historical and contemporary arts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. In this school, programme leaders and educators work closely with students on hands-on projects and research, preparing them for careers in the arts, creative economy, and others for which a broad cultural knowledge is of advantage.
For instance, Dr. Polly Savage created an assessment for her module “Art and Politics in Africa” which requires students to produce a research journal issue. Designed and edited by the students, “Body: Embodied Identities” explores the intersection between artistic expression and socio-political dynamics on the African continent. This extension of the module allows students to practice skills such as editing, design, illustration, layout, proofreading, and corrections.
The overall publication process becomes less intimidating and students end up with the know-how to produce their own papers in the future. Using her extensive experience, Savage provided deeper insights into the research process as well as the political and artistic landscape. This is because the lecturer has worked in numerous curatorial and research projects across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean over the last two decades and even held a post at London’s October Gallery for five years. Today, she teaches and writes on art theory, curating, and the visual arts in Africa and the African diaspora. Her latest research entails the visual cultures of decolonisation and the Cold War in Lusophone Africa.
Imagine the wealth of knowledge you could gain when learning and working with Savage. In her “Art and Politics in Africa” module, her passion makes the research more enticing. “Topics felt very well researched, and you can tell Polly is authentically passionate and engaged with her subject area, which I’ve found so inspiring and motivating as a student,” says one student. “They’ve been engaging, enjoyable and have felt like they are developing competencies which will be valuable beyond a purely academic context.”
A published piece of work with your name on it even before you have graduated is a great addition to your resume, and Savage will get you there without feeling intimidated or restricted by it. “I feel that the assessment criteria and formats have provided us enough freedom to explore individual areas of interest and explore our own unique skillsets and voices whilst providing a comprehensive and clear direction to assignments,” adds the student.
The Five Great Mountains or Wuyue are arranged according to the five cardinal directions of Chinese geomancy, which includes the center as a direction. The grouping of the five mountains appeared during the Warring States period (475 BC – 221 BC). Source: Pexels
Another important skillset to learn when engaged in the study of the arts is curating. Of course, the School of Arts has a programme dedicated to this, the MA Curating Cultures, which provides an unrivalled opportunity to explore methods and approaches in the curating of the arts of Asia and Africa. Its core module, Curating Cultures, also lets you develop practical curatorial skills in this area and results in an exhibition. But the passion and prowess of SOAS educators across the board provides such opportunities also to those that have chosen other MA programmes.
Take Dr. Natasha Morris, lecturer in Islamic Arts and convenor of the Islamic Art module of the Postgraduate Diploma in Asian Art at SOAS. Working with students on modules connected to the arts and culture of the Middle East, Morris has spearheaded an exhibition called “Hudood: Rethinking Boundaries”. Held in the SOAS Brunei Gallery, this exhibition is curated by students, spotlighting works from the Barjeel collection of modern and contemporary art from the SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) region. Set to take place in July, the exhibition gives students the chance to gain experience in the complex processes of exhibition-making. Learning through a project like this instils useful lessons for future endeavours.
Humayun’s tomb is the tomb of Mughal emperor, Mirza Nasir al-Din Muhammad commonly known as Humayun situated in Delhi. Built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent Source: Pexels
Studying at the School of Arts, not only provides opportunities to gain practical experience at the many cultural institutions of London, but you can also participate in competitive, paid internships at premier institutions abroad. For example, SOAS has a partnership with Museum Rietberg, Zurich, which is one of the largest museums in Switzerland, for internships focusing on South and Southeast Asia. Those enrolled in the school’s MA programmes are eligible. After completing the four-week internship, you will present your work to a panel of experts at the Museum Rietberg and a complete report to the school. Other opportunities include a British Council-initiated internship at the Venice Biennale, and an internship with the Chu Te-Chun Foundation at the same event.
The opportunities are many at the School of Arts — including speaking to the rock stars in your chosen field. For example, if you choose “The Music Business” module — which examines the creative economy from a global perspective — you have the chance to make unique contacts as part of your learning journey. Guest speakers workshop issues in the music business, such as Funding, Investments, and Sustainability, with SOAS students. Industry insiders who have come in the past include musical director and supervisor Kojo Samuel, voice coach and vocal producer (known for his stint on The Voice UK) Jono McNeil, and pioneering producer, songwriter and pianist Hannah V. Hearing first-hand about the changing shape of the music business sets up SOAS students for an exciting journey upon graduation.
Pursue your ambitions in the arts at SOAS University of London. Apply now.
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