Call for applications: MFA in Craft Media

Alberta College of Art + Design’s MFA in Craft Media offers students an opportunity to experiment and explore materials, processes, technologies, critical discourse and theory through creative inquiry that will expand and challenge perceptions of contemporary craft. Guided and mentored by internationally acclaimed artists, students experience a rigorous 20-month practice-led program in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment. Graduate students in the MFA in Craft Media can choose to focus on a specific craft discipline in Ceramics, Fibre, Glass or Jewellery + Metals or develop a customized program of study that engages across craft-based media and/or with other practices such as Drawing, Print Media, Sculpture, Painting and Media Arts.

Seminars on craft history and theory, critical and creative inquiry and professional practice, underpin an overall commitment to foster a personal vision that will position graduates as future practitioners and educators of craft-based inquiry

Facilities
MFA students will have access to ACAD’s studio teaching facilities such as the dyeing and weaving studios and the Jacquard and a 16-harness AVL Dobby; a fully equipped ceramics studio which houses multiple kiln technologies, a decal printer and a fully stocked glaze room, the Hot and Cold glass studios including four glory holes with 12- and 20-inch diameters, two 300-pound glass furnaces, six annealers with programmable controllers and seven kilns with GB1 controllers, and the newly renovated Jewellery + Metals studios.

As an ACAD MFA student you will have an unparalleled opportunity to experiment with materials and engage with ideas, to push boundaries and challenge expectations of what contemporary craft can be.

Faculty
Throughout the program, students receive instruction and one-on-one supervision from ACAD’s community of dedicated artists/scholars. Current MFA faculty includes: Zimra Beiner, Mark Clintberg, Alexandra Emberley, Mackenzie Kelly-Frere, Martina Lantin, Charles Lewton-Brain, Mireille Perron, Lyndsay Rice, Tyler Rock, Natali Rodrigues, Jennifer Salahub, Ashley Scarlett, Laura Vickerson and Christopher Willard.

Teaching Assistantships
All MFA students will be offered teaching assistantships beginning in their second semester, as well as pedagogy workshops.

Qualifications
Successful applicants will possess an active studio practice, an exhibition and/or publication record, a BFA degree or equivalent qualifications in a craft discipline from a four-year university or college degree program, and a commitment to undertake a rigorous program of study.

The ACAD experience
ACAD is a NASAD accredited institution with an international reputation as one of the Canada’s leading Art + Design Colleges. At ACAD, students participate in an immersive learning experience both inside and outside of the studio. Students are engaged in a global conversation about art, craft, and design and their impact on the world. Small class sizes encourage interaction with exceptional faculty mentors who are master practitioners and respected scholars. A robust visiting artist program, multiple exhibition spaces, the internationally recognized Illingworth Kerr Gallery and a library that is focused on contemporary art, craft and design, all support intensive and experimental practice.

Studying at ACAD means joining a community of people who are passionate about creativity.

Interested students may contact Research + Graduate Studies for more information: graduatestudies [​at​] acad.ca