Now accepting applications for 2014 entry
Submission deadlines: Now accepting late applications for Semester 1 2014 Applications close July 4, 2014 Semester 2 entry
The University of Auckland
National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries
Elam School of Fine Arts
20 Whitaker Place
Auckland, New Zealand
The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading world-ranked university. We are the only New Zealand university listed among the world’s top 200 universities by the Times Higher Education World Rankings of Universities.
Program
Elam School of Fine Arts is one of the most highly-regarded places to study fine arts in New Zealand and is also well respected internationally. You will take part in a broad range of creative activities in a stimulating interdisciplinary studio environment, and learn from world-class practicing artists and academics. We look forward to celebrating 125 years of fine arts education at the University in 2015.
We approach fine art at Elam in a distinct manner. Our postgraduate studios operate from an interdisciplinary or cross-disciplinary perspective. Students from across a broad array of creative disciplines are based within the same studio areas and take part in shared group discussions. Painters, sculptors, interactive artists, video artists, photographers and other creative practitioners work alongside each other. It is our view that such cross-disciplinary interaction reflects the reality of much contemporary creative visual art practice.
The two-year Master program is taught in an intimate environment, with international connections through its renowned faculty and Elam International Artist in Residence programme. Guest artists from abroad support the faculty in engaging students in contemporary creative initiatives worldwide. Critical discourse on artistic practice and an emphasis on analysis and self-reflection contribute to an understanding of contemporary art located within a larger cultural, social and political context.
With three options for the second year of study including Studio Practice, Thesis or Research Portfolio each student is able to design a pathway through their study that best supports their interests. The program comprises supervised independent individual projects, lectures and seminars. Well-equipped workshops for photo, video, sound and other computer-based work as well as for wood, metal, plaster, bronze, printmaking, are open to all students. Each student is provided a studio space, and all teachers at the school are available as supervisors.
Over the 2-year curriculum, the MFA program includes many opportunities to discuss the artist’s practice and to engage with the arts industry nationally and internationally. At the end of the MFA-program, all students work towards a final group show, including an extensive catalogue that is a launch for many artists now practicing both in New Zealand and internationally.
Location
Elam School of Fine Arts is located in the heart of Auckland City, which is ranked third out of 221 world cities for quality of living in the 2012 Mercer Quality of Living Survey. Auckland’s harbour setting, magnificent beaches and verdant bush make it a great place to study and work, while the University’s close proximity to New Zealand’s most respected galleries and cultural centres enables staff and students to rub shoulders with leading practitioners in their field. Within the Arts Campus, together with the School of Architecture and Planning, School of Music and Dance Studies Programme our school is part of a thriving creative focal point in the country.
Faculty
The National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries (NICAI) is a respected centre for creativity, research, teaching and practice at The University of Auckland. At NICAI you can study architecture, urban planning and urban design, dance, fine arts, music and sonic arts. We offer a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes and a wealth of opportunities for research in the creative arts and industries. You will study alongside other creative people, sharing ideas and collaborating on projects within a stimulating interdisciplinary framework.
Whether you’re looking to equip yourself for a creative career in the national or international arena, or to contribute to the world’s knowledge through postgraduate research, NICAI provides a dynamic environment where creative talent and entrepreneurship thrive.
Exchange
Elam School of Fine Arts fosters exchange programmes throughout the world including Glasgow School of Fine Art, Shanghai Academy of Fine Art and many others linked with The University of Auckland ‘360 degree’ international exchange programme.
Apply
Artists/students with diverse backgrounds interested in innovative artistic practice and research are encouraged to apply.
Please note: if you have a degree in another field altogether but have maintained a professional practice as an artist for some years we may consider an application.
The online application is open for late entry to Semester 1 and Semester 2 2014 applications.
For more information, eligibility requirements, etc., please see our web site: www.creative.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/fa-mfa
