In fall 2015, Baruch anticipates welcoming the entering class of a proposed new master’s program in arts administration. (Having passed all Baruch and CUNY approval processes, the program is awaiting imminent registration by the New York State Department of Education.) Housed in the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences, the program will be, as Weissman Associate Dean Gary Hentzi notes, “Unique—one might almost say utopian—insofar as it will include courses and resources from all three schools . . . The result will be a program that offers students an unprecedentedly wide range of learning opportunities.”
Michael Lovaglio, director of Weissman graduate programs, elaborates: “There will be courses from Zicklin’s management and accounting departments, the nonprofit specialty in SPA’s MPA program, and the creative disciplines of art, music, and theatre from Weissman.”
The degree is designed for professionals in arts organizations seeking advancement or for those wishing to switch careers. Unlike similar programs, it’s comprehensive, i.e., not restricted to performing arts or museums. “It covers a lot of landscape in the arts sector,” says Lovaglio. “It will offer the opportunity to develop competencies in finance, budgeting, resource development, marketing, entertainment law, arts education and outreach, policy, and advocacy. It’s even for folks who want to become artists’ agents.”
The College plans to offer the program in both full- and part-time formats, for optimum flexibility. Many students have already expressed keen interest. Says Weissman Dean Jeffrey Peck, “The MA in arts administration fills an educational gap, not only in Baruch’s MA offerings, but also in arts administration education in New York City. With BPAC and the Mishkin Gallery, as well as other arts initiatives here, Baruch will be the place to come for an affordable and professional education.”
BPAC at 10: Performance Driven
An integral part of the Weissman School—and of the NYC cultural scene—since its inception, the Baruch Performing Arts Center continues to offer topnotch music and theatre. On Oct. 20, in celebration of both Weissman’s 15th anniversary and BPAC’s 10th, the Engelman Recital Hall hosted a performance by Linda Lavin with musical accompaniment by Billy Stritch.
—Marina Zogbi