Institute
The courses offered by the Institute of Art Theory and Cultural Studies (IKW) are anchored in historical and social theoretical research, with a strong emphasis on contemporary diagnoses, and are aimed at students in all fields of study. The combination of theory and practice, art and discourse, and scientific and artistic research takes into account the fact that the study profiles at art colleges have developed in a trans- and interdisciplinary way. The development and mediation of art therefore incorporates art and media studies, sociological and philosophical discourses as well as gender, queer and de- and postcolonial studies. The teaching of art and cultural studies, philosophical, sociological and media theoretical content and methods aims at historical contextualization and discursive deepening of artistic studies. At the same time, the courses offered by the IKW prepare students for exhibition, publication and mediation occupations in the context of contemporary art as well as for ensuing fields of research.
The subjects range from pre-modern, modern, and post-modern art history and theory, cultural studies with a focus on gender and postcolonial studies and on diaspora aesthetics, to sociology, philosophy and aesthetic theory, media and science theory, and popular cultures, performance practice, and social movements.
The fields of study supervised by the IKW include cultural studies subjects within the framework of the Fine Arts, Architecture, Conservation-Restoration, and Stage Design programs, as well as a master’s degree in Critical Studies, Dr. Phil., and PhD in Practice.
There is interdisciplinary cooperation between all institutes, especially with regard to the master’s in Critical Studies; the PhD in Practice is based on a close cooperation between the IKW and the IBK, which jointly conduct entrance examinations.
The IKW’s research focuses on the entire spectrum of art and cultural studies, philosophical, aesthetic, media and popular culture, (cultural-)political and socio-social topics and discourses; the Critical Studies course forms an overarching content-related and methodological arc.
The IKW’s international orientation currently consists of cooperations with European, African, and Latin American universities – this primarily with a focus on transcultural and migration policy perspectives.
Upcoming Events
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Categorical Impertinence: From the Surrealists to the Situationists
An event organized by the IKW, organized by Jens Kastner in collaboration with Eva Schörkhuber and Andreas Pavlic.
Lecture
Schillerplatz/ M20
Art Theory and Cultural Studies
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Bourdieu Lectures: Gender – Domination – Visuality
The first edition of the Bourdieu Lectures will take place on 19–20 November 2025 at the Kunsthalle Bielefeld, under the title Gender – Domination – Visuality. This conference is a joint initiative by the University of Bielefeld, Zeppelin University (Friedrichshafen), University of Education Freiburg and Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien, in close cooperation with the Fondation Bourdieu.
Conference
Kunsthalle Bielefeld
Artur-Ladebeck-Straße 5
33602 Bielefeld
GermanyArt Theory and Cultural Studies
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Entangled Art Histories
Invitation to two lectures and a book presentation, organized by Sabeth Buchmann, Institute for Art Theory and Cultural Studies.
Lecture and book presentation
Schillerplatz/ M13a
Art Theory and Cultural Studies
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Evan Neely: North of Robert Duncanson’s Canvas
Art historian Evan Neely will be presenting on the work of African American landscape painter Robert S. Duncanson. One of three lectures on the legacy of colonial histories in North America; the privatization of nature and land; and the logic of the plantation and enclosure on contemporary life in the series Nature and Sovereignty organized by Alena Williams, Institute for Art Theory and Cultural Studies in Winter Semester 2025/26.
Lecture
Schillerplatz/ M13a
Art Theory and Cultural Studies
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Lecture series: Nature and Sovereignty
Three talks on the legacy of colonial histories in North America; the privatization of nature and land; and the logic of the plantation and enclosure on contemporary life organized by Alena Williams, Institute for Art Theory and Cultural Studies in Winter Semester 2025/26.
Legacies of the Plantation
K. Wayne Yang, Professor of Ethnic Studies & Provost of John Muir College, Co-founder, Indigenous Futures Institute, University of California, San Diego
Monday, 13.10. 2025, 17hFrom Plantations to Invasive Infrastructures: Kanaka Maoli Mobilization for 'Āina
Architectural Historian Kelema Moses, Assistant Professor of Urban Studies and Planning and Member, Indigenous Futures Institute, University of California, San Diego
Friday, 17.10.2025, 11hNorth of Robert Duncanson’s Canvas
Art Historian Evan Neely, Associate Chair, History of Art and Design, Pratt Institute, New York
Wednesday, 3.12.2025, 11hLecture series
Schillerplatz/ M13a
Art Theory and Cultural Studies
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PhD in Practice | Info Meeting
In advance of the PhD in Practice application process 2026, the program invites potential and interested applicants to an online information session where you will have the opportunity to meet the program leaders and professors Anette Baldauf and Renate Lorenz, learn about the program, requirements, the call for submissions and decision procedure of the PhD in Practice program at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna.
Study information
Online via Zoom
Art Theory and Cultural Studies
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PhD in Practice | Info Meeting
In advance of the PhD in Practice application process 2026, the program invites potential and interested applicants to an online information session where you will have the opportunity to meet the program leaders and professors Anette Baldauf and Renate Lorenz, learn about the program, requirements, the call for submissions and decision procedure of the PhD in Practice program at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna.
Study information
Online via Zoom
Art Theory and Cultural Studies
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Book presentation: Social Psychology of Authoritarianism. On the Relevance of the Frankfurt School's Research on Authoritarianismer Frankfurter Schule
An event hosted by the IKW, organized by Jens Kastner.
Book presentation
Schillerplatz/ M20
Art Theory and Cultural Studies
