aethiryn

A friend just told me they didn't get in.......*sweats are starting***

Cool thank you! Was always curious about that process....like do they actually contact them while reviewing and consult? Or is it more of those, who they know? ??‍♀️

Was just curious on this topic, does anyone know if the review committee actually contacts the recommenders?

Yay congratulations!! Very wise and concise vices. The artist I work for told me that it took her 4 times to apply before she got in (even after doing the whitney ISP). I didn't get in this year, or last, didn't get a notice saying I made it to the final round and before I got back on the forums was feeling really discouraged. (you're post helped) I'm thinking next year I would love to get people's feedback on the forums for the portfolio. I was really proud of the work I submitted, but in hindsight I feel like the documentation potentially could have thrown off the rhythm . It's hard working in small spaces, and is my own self-conscious anxiety submitting work that isn't documented in a space that resembles a gallery.

As a graduate from UCSB, I can vouch it's a really great program -- however have to disagree that it supports more 'traditional forms of art making'. The program really came together in the 90's with an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, hence why there are no departments you apply to (like painting, photo, etc-- just a 'studio art' degree) They encourage cross disciplinary practice, and because it's a university greatly encourage research in other fields such as the sciences (as an example). The program was incredibly theoretically rigorous and devoted to critical discourse in the contemporary field. It's one of the few UC MFA programs that actually requires a 30 page written thesis (or somehow equivalent) -- which some artists are either for or against. I'd actually say the program promotes more of a sculpture and social practice focus, if I had to narrow it into a field. I'd say look into it. I got paid to go to grad school there, they have phenomenal funding, the facilities and studios are huge, and the faculty provide intimate one on one interaction and have close ties to the LA scene.

That would be awesome, we could totally arrange some Skype studio visits! I'm actually about to take off for a residency for a month, but I'm excited to get the ball rolling on this. Maybe we could do a Skype studio visit sesh soon? Sent you my info. Thanks for reaching out! Just sent you a message. If anyone else is interested, don't hesitate to reach out!

Hey All! I'm wondering if anyone in the greater Los Angeles area would be interested in starting a crit/studio visit group? I recently just finished my MFA and moved to Los Angeles about 3 months ago. I'm still navigating the terrain of LA and while I know a good portion of people that I met through my program, they are a little bit more established than myself and a bit too busy. Depending on how large the group is and what format people are interested in, we could either meet in a group and do the 'group crit' format in people's studios, or if people's schedules are super tight I even think just exchanging emails and setting up individual studio visits could be beneficial. *** I don't think this necessarily needs to be artists with their MFA, anyone who is interested and lurking on the forum is welcome! I think if anyone is applying to grad schools, this could be extremely helpful (wish I had done that more before applying). Additionally, I was thinking it would be great to connect with fellow artists outside of the LA area, perhaps doing Skype studio visits/artist talks? I'm really excited to meet and support fellow artists. Let me know if anyone is interested! ***also I use 'studio' loosely, we could meet in your dining room/garage/in a park/anyplace in which you work.

Rejected here 7:50 am in California

Congrats!!! I will humbly accept my positive energy totally made that happen... j/k I wonder if/when they will let us know about other participants that are going...would love to connect with others! Now fingers crossed about skowhegan....I've been paying attention to vimeo but I sort of figured they are probably in the process now of putting together letters/packages. Anyone notice any additional traffic from vimeo/website?

chiboi2015, awesome! I'll be going mid October-mid-November.

Sounds like you know what you want, good luck on your app. I would just follow up with anyone who is following the thread--it only benefits you as an artist to look at other artists CV's (either at the program you're applying to or residency). Not only can that offer you an opportunity to research and learn about other residencies, galleries, grants, etc that maybe you haven't heard of (and potentially apply to in the future) but can also offer an abstracted idea of what type of individual the program/residency is looking for. (in some cases)

With plus can you actually see who is looking at your videos? (like, could you tell if it was Skowhegan because it listed a viewing from Maine or something?) I don't have Plus, but thinking about it..

should clarify....they only really know through word of mouth in that case. i.e. professional reference saying they've been accepted, or someone who has a connection to the committee and informs them they've been accepted. (some schools have close ties to the residency) Sorry, not trying to make that sound shady or seedy, I'm sure it's one of those cases where they're reviewing someones work and someone might happen to mention, "oh i heard they just got accepted to columbia..." or whatever.

Thank you! I am putting positive energy out there for you...hopefully you will hear from them in early April. I've heard from multiple sources that Skowhegan has a 'sweet spot' (timing wise) for MFAs...they like to either take you before you've gone (you've been accepted), or in the middle of your program. I don't think they typically take them as they are graduating....still keeping my fingers crossed though ;P

Ahh...as I'm about to graduate from an MFA, I find myself lurking on here again.... AKW94-- I have to second mlk and coreythegiraffe. The best advice I've received thus far is try not to force yourself into a program that is not a good fit for you...and you just have to be objective and honest about who you are, the type of work you make, AND what you want to get out of the program/school/residency/whatever. If you want the prestige, you can easily get that with other residencies--ALSO you can do internships that will greatly effect you for the better. I have a friend who is in the Whitney ISP program right now....she makes phenomenal work but she also just finished her Phd in film and media studies before attending. She's an artist, but also an incredible writer--and those two go in tandem together for her. She told me that the studios are in Manhatten (who can afford to live there?) and your studio is basically a cubicle...kind of like CSU Long Beach layout. (if anyone has seen them) I'm being serious. They are traditional cubicle style like in an office and you basically get to see what everyone is up to. I by no means think this is bad, but you have to consider 1. what type of work can you make in that environment 2. what kind of mentality that breeds 3. what do you honestly want to get out of it? <-----(I personally think this fuels the writing component in the program) The program is incredibly rigorous and highly conceptual. This next part is going to be real talk. If you really still want to go there, (hey maybe not this yr, but keep it on your radar) you need to beef up your CV and portfolio. I'm not talking solo shows or group shows, I'm talking about the awards, grants, residencies, publications, reviews of your work. You don't need a lengthy thing--but it really does show the committee that you are self sufficient (which the program wants you to be) and you are capable of producing a 'buzz' about you. In terms of your portfolio, if you have writing samples they're going to want it--even if you're just reviewing artwork in your local network. Like mlk said, the program is for a very specific subset of artists...and I know you are hung on they've taken undergrads before--but let's be real they may have been older and they may have had better connections than you. My last vice is please don't hold your career to another's and ask, "why not me?" It's a really long journey, some people hit the stratosphere early, and others don't.