Low-Residency MFA in Provincetown
The low-residency MFA program at the Fine Arts Work Center emphasizes studio production through intensive multi-week residencies on Cape Cod.MassArt's low-residency MFA program is designed for artists focusing on two-dimensional or related work incorporating painting, printmaking, drawing or installation formats. It supports the exploration of a wide array of materials and traditional and non-traditional investigations.
This program combines four 3-1/2 week full residency sessions (in September and May) and a final residency for the thesis exhibition with off-site periods during which students enroll in online classes and work with regionally-based mentors. The program's structure requires a high degree of self-discipline and commitment. While in Provincetown, students are expected to work seven days a week to take full advantage of the scheduled interactions.
The residencies provide an optimal working environment and numerous opportunities to receive feedback. While in Provincetown, students interact with leading artists and art world professionals. Resident faculty, who rotate on a regular basis, conduct the Major Studio and Graduate Seminar classes that comprise the core of each residency session. Interactions with visiting artists provide additional perspective and feedback. Recent visiting artists have included Louise Fishman, Susanna Coffey, Julie Heffernan, Gregory Amenoff, Joan Snyder, Tom Nozkowski, Marjorie Portnow and Byron Kim.
The Fine Arts Work Center was founded in 1968 by a group of established artists (including Stanley Kunitz, Myron Stout, and Robert Motherwell) to support younger artists and writers in the early "emerging" stage of their careers. Today Provincetown hosts a thriving art scene with numerous galleries and the Provincetown Art Association Museum, where some thesis shows are installed.