International MFA program

The master’s programme is a two-year English-instructed course, which aims to provide graduates with a unique point of departure into the world as professional artists. The programme targets emerging artists who seek to advance their practice discursively and independently. Students are encouraged to develop their own initiatives within the programme, which provides a balanced insight into contemporary issues from both local and international perspectives. Completion of the programme will earn graduates a Master’s Degree in Fine Art.

Throughout the course of two years, we expect students to take increasing responsibility for their master’s project in preparation for professional life beyond academy walls. By means of academic programming and collective research, the academy aims to advance a more profound understanding of the nature of the field of artistic practice, and to develop new and different methodologies within this field. Students accepted into the programme have access to individual workspaces, project rooms, various workshops, and funds to plan and carry out academic and research components during their course. The programme includes study trips, individual and group exhibitions, and collaborations with other professional artistic institutions and venues in Tromsø, Norway and abroad. Tromsø Kunstforening, one of Norway’s most prestigious art institutions, is the host of the final MA exhibition. In addition to a master’s programme, the Academy also offers a bachelor’s programme in fine arts. In total 15 students are accepted each year of which 6 on the master’s programme.

Situated in the arctic city of Tromsø, the Academy offers a particular vantage point towards an increasingly significant geopolitical region; The Arctic—with its rich history of exploration, science, trade, culture and cohabitation between indigenous and Norwegian populations. The Academy host the world’s northernmost fine arts school and in addition to Fine Art includes programmes in Landscape Architecture and Creative Writing. The Academy hosts a substantial international community, currently comprised of students and guest teachers from parts of Europe, Southeast Asia, The Americas and East Africa.

The first MA students were enrolled in 2012, and in the autumn of 2013 the Academy accepted its first research fellows. The Academy aims to maintain a high, international standard of education, and to develop further the particular characteristics, which have helped to establish the academy as a unique programme unlike others in its field.