Writing as part of MFA Programs

[nimda]

Curious what you all have found about writing in different Visual Art MFA programs.

What have you heard about how programs are doing this? For example, is writing a part of seminar courses? do the programs expect a written thesis (how long), do they have faculty, workshops or other formats to help with writing?

[michaelwebster]

I think all schools do it a little differently. SAIC has no written thesis, seminar classes don't require much writing. Art history papers are the primary writing we have to do. Most schools have thesis credit hours so you have a lighter load while writing your thesis.

[losemygrip]

Some schools have you write no more than an artist's statement that goes along with your show; some require a genuine written thesis. Highly variable.

[nimda]

When I was at U of Penn's open house they said that the have writing workshops in the first and second year. The second year workshop runs through the spring semester and is taught by Michael Brenson. I think it would be important to have many options to work on the creative side, the exploratory side of my writing in the grad program I choose - so i have also been looking into the outside elective courses that universities might offer to MFA students at each institution. Penn had a few options, and great writers organization and of course an English dept, filled with amazing people who have an interest in the form, Kenny Goldsmith, Al Filreis, etc. I didn't get much detail on how this happens from the other schools on visits - other than the faculty reading your thesis statement.

I suppose I'm just anticipating that this is what artists need to do to prepare materials for fellowships, residencies and grants, or even speak about the work, it seems that writing is important. Thank you for telling about SAIC, curious to hear more and if anyone knows about Columbia in this regard.