MFA Art + Social Practice: How to Apply

Graduate Admission

Application for admission to the MFA in Contemporary Art Practice: Art + Social Practice must be made by January prior to the Fall term in which the student intends to begin work towards the degree.

Applying to the Art + Social Practice MFA program is a two-step process. In addition to the Portland State University application, the MFA Social Practice program requires the submission of a digital portfolio.

As part of the program, a wide range of practices including curation, writing, performance, conceptual art, video, design, and visual/studio art are encouraged within a socially engaged framework.

Requirements

Applicants to the Art and Social Practice MFA Program must have a B.A., B.S. or B.F.A. degree.

Application Materials

Upload all items listed below through the SlideRoom application portal.

• Letter of Introduction (500 words max.)
  Your letter of introduction should illustrate your interest in studying social practice and how it relates to, supports or is your current practice. Tell us about your curiosities, what you want to learn in the coming years, and what special things you would bring to this creative community. Please include your website if you have one and any additional information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating aptitude for graduate study.
   
• Digital Portfolio
  Please upload to SlideRoom: 1-20 portfolio media including a 3-minute video (see Video Assignment below). Please add titles or descriptions to the projects you share, including your position as artist, curator, or collaborator. Add videos to the ‘Add Media” section after your images or include a single PDF with a link to the video if it is hosted on YouTube or Vimeo.

• Video Assignment
  Complete one 3-Minute video assignment. While the video quality is not important (cell phone/webcam videos are acceptable), the videos are an important part of the application because they allow us to meet applicants in a more personal way.

  Select one of the following prompts, complete it and submit it to the digital portfolio:

  • Tour of the highlights in your neighborhood: Create a short video of what you consider to be the highlights of your neighborhood (3 min maximum).
  • Ask a stranger about the significance of the clothes they are wearing: Create a short video of you having a stranger describe for you the significance of the clothes they are wearing (3 min maximum).
  • Demonstrate a talent: Create a short video where you demonstrate a talent (3 min maximum).
     
• Social Practice Curriculum Vitae
  This is a one-page document. Format should be modeled after a standard CV, but instead of traditional academic or exhibition content it should focus on less orthodox but equally important aspects from your life, including experiences and research that have prepared you for being an Art + Social Practice MFA student.
   
• Transcripts
  From all degree-granting institutions the applicant attended in the past (unofficial transcripts acceptable).
   
• References
  Include contact information for two references including their email and phone number. No letter is required. They will only be contacted if you are a finalist. 

For Shortlisted Applicants: Video Interview
Shortlisted applicants are invited to a video interview with a committee of students and faculty. The decision-making process is part of the course curriculum and current students have equal weight to faculty in admissions decisions.

Fees

A $65 non-refundable application fee and a $2 processing fee will be required to successfully complete the application. Payment can be made with a VISA or MasterCard.

Financial Assistance

Each year, tuition assistance is available through Graduate Assistantships and Scholarships through Portland State University.

• Graduate Assistantships (GAs) are offered to incoming students each year as they are available. Applicants do not apply for GAs. Assistantships provide students with opportunities to assist instructors and eventually teach their own courses. They also provide tuition remission and a stipend.
• Scholarships are available through the College of the Arts and through Portland State University.