OPEN CALL: Master in Critical Creative Practices – Free University Bozen-Bolzano
Combining creativity, new media and sustainability, this interdisciplinary master’s programme equips students to drive transformative change at the intersection of culture, innovation and climate justice. By integrating art, design and forward-thinking practices, the programme addresses today’s most pressing challenges.
Through three complementary thematic areas—Nature and Ecocriticism, Critical Spatial Practices, and Technology and Theory of Artistic Forms—students explore diverse aspects of art and design, combining traditional media with cutting-edge approaches. The teaching model blends hands-on creative practice with a strong theoretical foundation, encouraging critical reflection and inspiring innovative solutions.
Course description
This programme adopts a practice-based approach to contemporary challenges, bringing together art, design and innovative thinking to communicate powerful messages about global issues—from the climate crisis and energy transition to geopolitics and social inclusion.
Tailored to designers and artists, it enables participants to create interdisciplinary, tangible projects that combine strong artistic and design practices with advanced conceptual and methodological applications.
Structured across four semesters, the course integrates practical and theoretical learning. Each of the three macro areas is addressed in a dedicated semester, ensuring a focused and coherent progression through the programme.
The master’s programme prepares highly skilled professionals who can thrive in innovative, interdisciplinary contexts and address the most pressing issues of our time, including ecological challenges, spatial and socio-cultural dynamics, and evolving modes of creative production. Students will develop advanced skills in design and art, with an emphasis on their intersections with contemporary tools, systems and cultural perspectives.
In addition, the programme incorporates advanced research methodologies and experimental artistic and design practices, encouraging students to investigate the relationships between creative practices, culture and society. This critical and creative approach supports students in shaping contemporary cultural production, languages and discourses, enabling them to develop original and forward-looking projects. Graduates will be prepared to conceptualise and produce significant works that respond to both present and future needs, using a wide range of traditional, current and emerging media while exploring new opportunities for innovation.
The programme also places strong emphasis on developing advanced research skills, preparing students to contribute to interdisciplinary projects and generate new knowledge. Guided by international practitioners, graduates will leave with specialised expertise and an interdisciplinary perspective, ready to take on leading roles in cultural and creative sectors both nationally and internationally.
Ideal applicants
Graduates in design, art or architecture who are interested in understanding how contemporary critical practices can shape society and space. Selection is based on a Curriculum Vitae, portfolio and project proposal. Further information on applications and admission can be found here.
Duration of the programme: Two years / Language: English / Early Bird Application: March 2–April 28, 2026 (by noon local time) / Late application (only for EU citizens) May 28–July 2, 2026 (by noon local time) / Available places: 30 EU + 5 Non-EU.