The Art Practice program offers a low-residency, interdisciplinary approach to an MFA degree.

Artists in the program engage in research-based practices, and are encouraged to converse and collaborate across subject matters using a combination of traditional and non-traditional media, technologies and techniques. We aim to create a global community of artists and cultural producers who look beyond a consensus driven approach to how we define what’s important in contemporary art.

To that end, a carefully selected, small group of MFA candidates come together at SVA’s NYC campus for three successive, intensive summer residency periods where they have the opportunity to work closely with artists, designers, writers, critics and curators.

An underlying thread running through the low-residency program is the ability to situate one’s creative practice within a thoroughly considered social context, and the ability to remain open to the revision of one’s operating premises. Students combine personal narrative with critical theory to be active citizen artists.

We approach art making holistically: MFA Art Practice students are not defined or separated by medium or discipline. We view process as a kind of critical thinking.

Degree candidates must successfully complete 60 credits, including all required courses. The final summer session includes the presentation of a thesis project and accompanying written thesis document. All candidates must have their thesis proposals approved by the department chair and thesis committee at the conclusion of their second summer residency period.