Methodologies for Contemporary Artistic Practice: Guidelines for Academic and Professional Production in Art Education

Abstract

In the present day, contemporary artistic practice requires not only creative or technical skills but also academic competencies that make it possible to demonstrate, articulate, and systematize production processes. This work analyzes the importance of having specific methodological guidelines within the framework of higher art education, emphasizing their role in training students capable of formally structuring their research and artistic production projects.

As a case study, the Bachelor’s Degree in Contemporary Art program at the Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Mexico, is examined. In this program, students must complete a final written project (thesis) that meets academic rigor standards while maintaining an awareness of artistic practice and experience in order to obtain their degree. The research areas developed in this program include artistic production, curatorship, museography, cultural management, and art pedagogy.

The aim of this presentation is to argue that the design and implementation of methodological guidelines for academic writing not only improve educational processes but also strengthen the professional profile of graduates by connecting artistic practice with contemporary academic and professional demands. This comprehensive approach underscores the relevance of developing competencies in writing, planning, and systematization, promoting an art education aligned with current challenges in the creative and cultural industries.

This reflection seeks to contribute to the debate on the convergence between art, pedagogy, and academic production, paving the way for proposals that expand the educational horizon in contemporary art education.