About the Centre

The Centre for Modern Art & Theory is part of the Art History Seminar at the Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University. Its mission is to promote research and teaching in the fields of modern and contemporary art, visual culture, aesthetics, design, and art criticism.

Communication of the humanities is one of the key tasks of contemporary research – and our centre actively develops it.

At a time when society is overwhelmed with information while facing complex social challenges, it is crucial that the results of humanities research are not confined to the academic sphere. The humanities provide a critical perspective on cultural heritage, identity, values, and historical contexts that shape both our present and future. Clear and accessible communication of these topics helps foster dialogue between academia and the public, contributing to a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Our centre therefore focuses on popularising research through a variety of formats. In the Views & Reviews section, we publish accessible and engaging articles reflecting the wide range of topics explored by our experts. We are also active on social media, sharing insights and research outcomes in a concise, visually appealing, and easy-to-understand manner.

The popular lecture series SMArt Talks regularly offers the public inspiring encounters with leading figures from the fields of art history, culture, and related disciplines. These evenings are not just about lectures, but also about discussions with the audience, enriching the dialogue between scholars and society. Recordings of the talks are also available on our YouTube channel, reaching a broader audience across regions.