A new type of MFA has been developed. The Nomad/9 MFA is a holistic graduate program with a field school methodology at sites throughout the Americas. Coursework addresses ethical social engagement, ecology, and craft, and the pedagogy encompasses a mix of learning modalities. Residencies include analytical seminars and critiques, collaborative art processes, and hands-on workshops.
The students are from around the world, and represent a diversity of disciplines, including socially-engaged work, sculpture, murals, art and healing, ecoart, and performance. This accredited MFA prioritizes developing skills for the new economy with a local ethos and understanding of ecological principles.
The Nomad/9 methodology is based on immersive residencies where students convene three times a year at different locations. Between residencies students develop their work with a mentor through online meetings. The 2017-18 residency sites are Coatepeque, El Salvador, and Miami, Florida. Recent residencies have been held in Oakland, CA; Hartford, CT; and St. Paul, MN. The entire program lasts 26 months.
Faculty and Visiting Artists have found this methodology as liberating as students, as faculty are invited to teach in new ways. A partial list includes Mark Dion, Christy Gast, Hope Ginsburg, Muriel Hasbun, Pablo Helguera, Seitu Jones, Iain Kerr, Mary Mattingly, Ernesto Pujol, Favianna Rodriguez, Allison Smith, Nico Wheadon, Linda Weintraub and Caroline Woolard. The program was founded by Carol Padberg, at the University of Hartford’s Hartford Art School.
More information found at nomad9mfa.org.
Applications are currently being accepted, and generous scholarships are available.
