MFA in Fine Art

The Academy of Fine Art is currently welcoming MFA Fine Art applications for fall 2021 admission. We seek advanced applicants with an interest in contemporary art practices of all kinds for the two year studio-based program. The MFA study program prepares artists to be independent, active contributors to the field of contemporary art at an international level. The guiding principle of the Academy is close and regular engagement with an internationally renowned faculty of artists, theorists and curators, and a diverse group of students. The program aims to foster a self-reflective approach to the artist’s individual practice, as well as to provide contextualization, dialogue and critical feedback in a dynamic and inclusive environment. There is a great emphasis on considering a suitable context for one’s own practice and to experimental approaches to exhibition formats. Collaboration is also a core tenet of the program, which is emphasized both in the introductory semester and in a final exhibition developed as a group. 

The studio program is comprised of individualized tutorials, group critiques, and thematic courses that address key practical and theoretical topics relevant to artistic practice. Additional courses in exhibition practice, theory and writing add rigor and depth to the practical training of the program. Our students produce several exhibitions and projects, both in the Academy’s multiple exhibition spaces and in other venues in Oslo. These offerings are augmented by a broad array of well-equipped technical workshops and regular guest lectures and tutorials by highly regarded international visiting artists, curators and critics. 

The first year of the program is structured by the course Scenarios, which connects the development of one’s artistic practice to the context of exhibiting and other modes of public reception and engagement. The second year builds on and consolidates the learning and experimentation of the first year and includes both a solo presentation as well as a collaborative degree show. 

The Master’s program welcomes students who wish to work in an interdisciplinary, non-medium-specific context as well as those who wish to pursue a particular discipline. Areas of focus include painting, photography, sculpture, installation, performance, sound, video and text. As part of the Oslo National Academy of the Arts, Norway’s largest educational institute for a broad range of art forms, the Academy of Fine Art is situated alongside the other departments of Theatre, Dance, Design, Art and Craft, and Opera, allowing for cross disciplinary experimentation and collaboration. The city of Oslo’s strong public commitment to the arts facilitates unrivalled opportunities for young artists to immerse themselves in the city’s burgeoning international art scene—including public institutions, commercial galleries and artist-run spaces—both during and after the program. 

Duration: two years, full time studies (120 credits) / free tuition for international students 

Current faculty: Liv Bugge, Jeanette Christensen, Sara Eliassen, Gard Olav Frigstad, Dora García , Pedro Gómez-Egaña, Marthe Ramm Fortun, Melissa Gordon, Ane Thommessen Graff, Ane Hjort Guttu, Saskia Holmkvist, Marie Kølbæk Iversen, Maryam Jafri, Dirkjan van der Linde, Manuel Pelmus, Lisa Rosendahl, Mike Sperlinger, Jan Verwoert, Tris Vonna-Michell, Antonio Vega Macotela, Robel Temesgen Bizuayehu, Jenny Lee Perlin. 

Dean: Sarah Lookofsky 

Application guidelines