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 (see step two above).
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 + Video Prompts
Please upload to Slideroom 1- 20 portfolio media including the three 3-minute Video Assignments that respond to the prompts 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 Prompts (Respond to all three prompts listed below):
Complete three 3-minute Video Assignment Prompts. 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.
- Respond to the following three prompts and submit the videos to the digital portfolio.
- Prompt 1 of 3: Tour of the highlights in your neighborhood: Create a short video of what you consider to be the highlights of your neighborhood (3 minutes maximum).
- Prompt 2 of 3: 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 minutes maximum).
- Prompt 3 of 3: Demonstrate a talent: Create a short video where you demonstrate a talent (3 minutes 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 of your life, including experiences and research that have prepared you for being an Art + Social Practice MFA student.
Transcripts
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 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 Portland State University.