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"I’m interested in the intersection of Art and Technology, specifically focusing on interactive new media art. When I was born, my grandfather was just about to retire. He started to spend more time with oil painting, classic Chinese painting, Chinese root carving, and shufa – a type of calligraphy art using Chinese characters. I was so lucky to have the chance to sit by his side and watch him work when I was young. His passion for art deeply inspired me, and it sparked my own love for classical art.

I obtained my BA degree in Art History. I was mainly focused on classic artists, particularly Dutch Golden Age oil paintings, and art history, like global trade and how Chinese export porcelain made its way to Western countries, and how art became a part of people’s daily lives, appearing in their homes. And when Dutch oil painters started making portraits or landscapes, you’d often see Chinese porcelain somewhere in their paintings. I became really interested in how this happened, how world trade influenced daily life, and how art made its way into people’s homes.

The master’s programme I’m studying is focused on culture and aesthetics. Sometimes, what we learn isn’t just about looking at the art itself, but also understanding the trends, the stories behind the art, and the broader lessons art can teach us.

During my junior year, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Venice Biennale. It was in 2019, and I spent a whole month there, working as an exhibition host. I soaked myself in contemporary arts in the exhibitions in different pavilions a that ignited a passion for curating in me. And the deeper I dig into the area, the more interested I become.

In our study programme, we have the opportunity to curate an exhibition in collaboration with Fine art students. We have mentors guiding us, but for the most part, we manage things ourselves, and it’s a really nice way to try things out without fear of failure. And I think that’s important because you need to develop this kind of confidence if you want to succeed."

Ruoxi Gao

The programme opened up an entire world for me. Coming from another country, it was a crash course in the Swedish art world. It really prepared me for the future and broadened my whole perspective.

–Lara Szabo Greisman

Lara Szabo Greisman is the Festival Director and Co-Founder of Nobel Week Lights in Stockholm city centre, and an alumna of the The International Master’s Programme in Curating, including Art, Management and Law at Stockholm University. Originally from Canada, she was already working as a curator but wanted to deepen her knowledge of the craft.

–I was looking for education in Northern Europe and came across this programme. It was really an amazing education. A beautiful balance between the academic side and the hands-on. In curating, that is so important, she explains.

See the film with Lara Szabo Greisman and read the story

Hear from our alumni in Curating

The International Master’s Programme in Curating, including Art, Management and Law

What do you enjoy most about teaching here?
–On-site teaching in museums and historic sites is the highlight of our courses in Art History and Cultural Heritage Studies. I love engaging with artworks, displays, and exhibitions in person with students, and I get to go on a different excursion almost every week. This is what being an art historian is all about! This form of teaching offers students an important training opportunity for professions such as being a researcher or a museum curator. It enables students to see Stockholm as their classroom and discover the city’s impressive heritage.
More broadly, the student body at Stockholm University is very diverse, especially in terms of age. I really enjoy teaching students with different academic and professional backgrounds, especially when they share their unique experience in class.

How would you describe the learning environment at this department?
–The atmosphere is very informal and friendly. Our courses include seminars where students discuss an artwork or a text in a smaller group. In these seminars we encourage groupwork, which often involves some creative element. At the master’s level, students have the opportunity to shape the course content according to their own interests.

What advice would you give to prospective international students that are considering studying in Stockholm?
–I recently moved to Stockholm from the UK, and the city has really surpassed my expectations. My first advice would be to take this opportunity! The landscape in Sweden is famously beautiful, but there are also many amazing historical and artistic sites to visit. Stockholm is an international but relaxed capital city, and a good base to travel across the Nordic countries. Stockholm University also offers free language courses for students and staff. This is a great way to meet other internationals and learn more about Sweden and its culture.

Costanza Beltrami's research

She has worked in an international setting for many years and stresses that Stockholm is a city of opportunities for humanities students.

”When you study our international master’s programmes you don’t only meet Stockholm University’s students and lecturers but also have the chance to establish useful contacts at museums and other important art institutions. We have many successful collaborations in this area.”

Magdalena Holdar's research

What do you enjoy most about teaching here?
–At Theatre Studies, students with very diverse backgrounds come together, and it is always exciting to explore the history, present, composition, and societal significance of the performing arts together with them. We are also a faculty committed to ensuring that our courses and programmes remain current and innovative. I have taught at several other universities in Sweden, but nowhere have I felt as inspired as I do here. We have fun with the students while developing together!

How would you describe the learning environment at this department?
–We have a strong research environment, and the programmes are grounded in the research conducted here. This makes the learning environment curious, up to date, and constantly alert. Every semester we welcome many international students, which also contributes to an open and outward‑looking learning environment that engages with what is happening around the world.

Why should someone study Theatre and Performance Studies?
–Because the courses and programmes in Theatre and Performance Studies offer both breadth and depth for anyone interested in working with, continuing their education in, or conducting research on the performing arts. If you enrol in our international master’s programme, you also gain invaluable connections within Stockholm’s performing arts scene through the internship included in the programme. If you are in any way interested in the performing arts, you should not hesitate to apply to our courses or programmes!

For questions about exchange studies, please contact our coordinator.