The Faculty of Art and Design at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar began its international Master of Fine Arts course of study – "Public Art and New Artistic Strategies" – in winter semester 2001/2002. This course of studies was conceived by the department of fine arts. It is the first and, to date, the only program of its kind in Germany.

In their studies, students focus on art projects that go beyond the protective space of the museum and gallery. The points of departure are the different strategies and interventions of artists working in public space today. Urban configurations, parks and gardens, landscapes and new media are all included within the definition of public space. The definition also includes works which are communicated through radio, television or the internet.

The goal of the course of study is to prepare the students to deal with the particular situation of art in association with and in the public realm, and to enable effective artistic interventions in public space.

The DAAD supported the new course of study with the goal of establishing a Masters’ degree program in Germany until December 2004 and developing an attractive offering for qualified foreign and German applicants.