anti-mfa

I am using anti-mfa as a username on instagram, but I am aware of the nuances as to why someone would go for the MFA such as if you desire to teach at the college level. Although you can still teach at private schools without an MFA degree. I've done two rounds of applications and was accepted into an MFA program and declined for personal and financial reasons. I have an idea of creating an online space that supports artists in a similar way, connecting artists with each-other to provide feedback on work, online shows, etcetera, for free. In essence- giving artists the assistance in conceptualizing your practice, for free! I think people need to start questioning this "all-or-nothing" approach, and why we can't accept artists that don't have the Master's title? And why we shouldn't expect artists- who come from different backgrounds- to be able to shell out the same thousands of dollars in order to prove their "commitment" and seriousness as artists.

Exactly that. I've been to interviews before where the main draw of the program was the relationships formed with the assigned cohort. Why is that something we need to pay for? Feel free to reach out to me via email or on instagram- @anti_mfa. Let's try to get more people interested!

That is awesome!!! I started an instagram yesterday the username is @anti_mfa. I haven't 100% thought it out yet, but I was thinking that artists who didn't get into grad school could submit their work to get reposted. Once we'd have enough artists we could start doing online exhibitions and stuff. Maybe a select group or "cohort" that report back to each other for zoom crits or when this covid shit is over in person studio visits depending on location. Anyways feel free to email me and we can talk!

I am kind of a lurker on here. This year I applied to 4 top schools for painting and didn't even get one interview! It's ok, I was obviously not a strong candidate. *cries* With the Covid-19 situation though, I am kind of glad I didn't end up getting in anywhere. Seeing the way some schools have handled this situation (I know a lot of people that are currently in attendance at one highly sought after program) it's very surprising, the lack of communication on how things will change, "lack of" financial flexibility to provide students with any tuition repayment (president lives in a mansion), condescending treatment of students. It's made me reconsider my plans to pursue an MFA, and why the recognition of these schools is so important or validating to me and my art practice and if it's worth the $$$$$. I also spent time volunteering this year at an after school art program for kids, which was very rewarding for me. These private art schools have little to no involvement with the community around them, oftentimes situating in a low cost area just because of convenience and make no effort to grow an art market within that community at all. Instead encouraging students that they simply MUST move to NYC, which filters out most of the students who aren't from wealthy families. I know this isn't news to anyone but if you are getting frustrated and not willing to accept these shitty facts anymore, maybe we could create an online community that provides support, critiques, and even have shows together... We could have an anti-MFA show in two years! If anyone knows of something like this that already exists, let me know. And reply if you'd be interested. Please know that despite my feelings on this I'm not judging those who are planning on getting an MFA, I completely understand the reasoning for doing it. But I don't think my feelings are just resentment or bitterness, just hoping for an alternative...

Hello, have any of you had to take prerequisite courses to be eligible for a Master's program? I have a bachelor's degree but I need 12 credits of psychology related courses to apply to master's programs of my choosing. 1. Does anyone know of any good online colleges that provide quality psych courses but aren't terribly expensive? 2. If you had to take prerequisite courses before applying to a Master's program and filled out a FAFSA? How did you answer question 29? I need to apply for federal loans to cover these courses, and I should be able to do so if they are prerequisites. I would be qualified as a non-degree seeking student. What will your college grade level be when you begin the 2019-2020 school year? Grade Level Never attended college / 1st yr. Attended college before / 1st yr. 2nd yr. / sophomore 3rd yr. / junior 4th yr. / senior 5th yr. / other undergraduate 1st yr. graduate / professional Continuing graduate / professional or beyond Would I be a 5th year? other undergraduate? But I am not an undergraduate...? 1st year? graduate/ professional? I am not taking "graduate" level courses. I am so confused. Here is the info they provide when you click the question mark button. Select your grade level in college from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020. If you are currently a senior in high school or will be a first-time college student, select Never attended college / 1st yr. "Grade level" does not mean the number of years you have attended college, but refers to your grade level in regard to completing your degree or certificate. A student who is not enrolled full-time will require more years than a full-time student to reach the same grade level. Thanks for any help or advice!!