In 1987 the École du MAGASIN was founded as one of the activities of the art center, MAGASIN in Grenoble. Being the first international curatorial studies program in Europe, it was set up to provide a professional environment for a rigorous combination of research and practice. By providing the participants with a nine months hands-on experience in organizing a curatorial project, the École du MAGASIN gives a direct approach to curatorial practices. The program presents a wide variety of insights into what curating can be and become in the future through a series of tutorials, workshops, seminars and visits with professionals from different backgrounds.

The program is centered on the development of one or various curatorial projects. The project can be focused on a theme proposed by the tutorial comity or can evolve in directions proposed by the students.

Each session lasts nine months and is divided into two stages:

• Stage 1/ October – December The first stage aims at establishing a framework and a collective working method. The program advisor assists in organizing monthly seminars, which include lectures, presentations, group or one-to-one discussions and online working sessions.
• Stage 2/ January – June The second stage focuses on the production of the project. During a five-month period, session participants define the means of the project’s materialization and presentation, select the contributors, seek potential institutional or commercial partners, edit a press release and public relations material, and monitor the budget.