An MFA is a terminal degree in fine arts, meaning it’s the highest level of education an artist can receive. Most are earned through two- or three-year programs that culminate in a thesis exhibition.
Residency is a key component of MFAs that many students don’t fully understand when they first begin their studies. A residency is a period of time, usually two to three months, during which an MFA student lives and works on campus. This allows students to focus solely on their artwork and build a community with their peers.
Residency programs provide students with a variety of benefits. Perhaps the greatest benefit of these programs comes from the sense of camaraderie that develops amongst a community of likeminded individuals living and working together. The strong ties that develop during residencies often prove invaluable during the sometimes-stressful MFA experience.
However, residency isn’t for everyone. Some students simply prefer to maintain their own studio and live off-campus. Others find the constant presence of other artists to be distracting.
This is why many students are opting for a low residency MFA. These programs allow students to complete the majority of their coursework online, with only a few weeks of on-campus residency each year. Doing so opens MFA programs to a wider variety of students, many who might otherwise be unable to pursue their degree.
Before you decide whether a traditional residency is right for you, talk to your advisors and peers to get their perspectives. First-hand accounts of others’ experiences in residencies can also prove invaluable. Just know that your experience will be unique and may bear little resemblance to that of any other artist.
Once you have all the information, you can make an informed decision about what’s best for you and your art. If you are considering a low residency MFA, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago offers a unique program that might be a good fit for you. Learn more about their low residency MFA program today.