Develop a critical art practice in digital media. Use a research perspective to explore the relationship between technology and art, and earn an MFA in Digital and Interdisciplinary Art Practice in New York City.
The CCNY Art Department announces a new graduate degree program:
The MFA in Digital and Interdisciplinary Art Practice [DIAP].
Applications for Fall 2013 will be accepted online starting in September, with a February 1st, 2013 admissions deadline.
[DIAP] is a research community where students will work both individually and collaboratively on creative projects in digital media art.
The [DIAP] MFA is a research-oriented community in which students will individually and collaboratively explore aspects related to digital media art, including but not limited to, Narrative and Non-narrative Time-based Art, Digital Cultures, Interactivity, Playable Media, Physical Computing, Internet as Art and/or Communications Media and Spatial Mapping.
[DIAP] students will explore art and technology with a range of digital tools, but the focus is on the project not the tool.
[DIAP] enables students to choose from the broadest range of digital tools. Projects are conceptually and thematically driven and students will research tools and processes to fit the project, not the reverse. Wherever appropriate to the project, we encourage integration of traditional media or processes and methodologies from biology, computer science, math, psychology or other areas of potential interdisciplinary connection and exploration.
[DIAP] students will create projects in a range of Themed and Media Workshops as well as work on longer-term First Year and Thesis projects
Themed Workshops are subject-focused and might include exploration of information architecture, interactive sculpture, socially-based gaming or motion graphics, and can utilize a variety of media.
Media Workshops have a specific medium-based topic, and consist of technical workshops, medium-related exercises, research, and independent and/or collaborative project development. They could include programming for artists, exploration of locative media, kinetics or electronics for artists. Targeted media might include: digital video, animation, image processing, electronics/physical computing, web coding, database or sound.
What is a [DIAP] MFA Themed Workshop?An example of a Themed Workshop: Mapping Space
With the emergence of the internet, digital space is often perceived as open and free. Yet increasingly this ‘free’ space is as competitive, occupied and defended as physical space. How can we create, re-envision and open up digital space? Spatial mapping is a research field that both encourages individual expression and enables artists to question their role in contemporary society with its attendant emphasis on the ownership of space.
Mapping Space is broad in concept, tools employed and in connection to other fields of study such as architecture, environmentalism, political science and history. Linear time-based techniques ranging from video to performance and non-linear techniques such as geocaching, augmented reality, data visualization, websites and interactive installations are possible modes of expression. Computer peripherals (mouse, keyboard, camera, microphone, hard drives) and mobile devices may be used to create and occupy non-geographical space. Work might be visualized through code, characters, images or sound.
Mapping Space encourages research projects in the field of social media, mapping, performance, locative media, visualization and participatory events to address issues related to the occupation of space and its underlying systems.
What kind of applicants is [DIAP] looking for?
Applicants should have a BA, BS, or BFA degree in the fields of computer art, graphic/communication design, video, photography, computer science, architecture or other related degrees in art, media, design or technology. Applications from students who do not hold traditional studio arts degrees but who have industry or other media arts experience will be considered. Entry is by portfolio evaluation.
Self-motivated work, the ability to research complex technical issues independently, excellent written communication skills, and a commitment to pursuing highly original and critical perspectives related to digital media are crucial for admission to the program.
Cross-disciplinary interests are encouraged: applicants with undergraduate degrees in such diverse disciplines as architecture, biology, geography, mathematics or history or other relevant areas of study who are interested in pursuing their research interests within the context of contemporary art are invited to apply.
- An experimental curriculum that emphasizes creative research in art & technology using a broad range of digital and traditional tools
- The opportunity to work on individual and large-scale collaborative projects in a vibrant creative community
- A full schedule of lectures, visiting artist studio visits, and interaction with [DIAP] Artists Residency artists
- Collaborative studio space with individual workspaces and access to a shared installation space during the two-year residence
- CUNY’s modest graduate tuition
- City College’s excellent faculty of nationally and internationally recognized media artists
- Competitive opportunities for practice teaching, internships and college assistantships within the Art Department
- The [DIAP] laptop program in which students receive a fully-loaded Mac laptop that becomes their property upon graduation
- Competitive tuition based scholarships
- [DIAP] is a full-time program [2 year, 60 credit degree]. We do not accept part-time or non-matriculated students
- Admissions are for Fall semester only
- The admissions deadline is February 1st
- Admission is by portfolio review through the [DIAP] Online Application System and CCNY Graduate Admissions Online Application Aystem
- Subscribe to our mailing list for events updates here
[DIAP] offers:
[DIAP] Quick Facts:
This website provides an overview of the [DIAP] MFA program, facilities, and faculty. Please contact us if you are interested in scheduling a tour or need additional information.
Department and College Links [continued +]
