Overview: The goal of this Master’s Diploma program is to assist each artist in the further development of a personal artistic vision and working practice that can be continued after the conclusion of the program. This eight month long intensive program offers post-graduate participants and practicing artists the opportunity to work in a professional environment while receiving valuable feedback through critiques. Post-graduate students are helped to make the transition from a structured academic curriculum to an established working practice. The program is for artists building their portfolios for admission to graduate MFA programs and for working artists looking for the opportunity to build a body of work and begin their careers as professional artists.

Applicants: Applicants to this program must hold a bachelors degree or equivalent. A degree in studio art is not required however applicants must submit a portfolio of images and a statement of purpose. This program is open to artists working in any medium.

Program Structure: The program is divided into two parts. The first four months are dedicated to studio work, intense critique, art theory, portfolio seminar, participation in collaborative exhibition and the development of a thesis proposal. During the second half of the program is students produce the work proposed in their thesis culminating in a solo exhibition in one of the SRISA gallery spaces or in other spaces around Florence. In addition, each artist develops a written statement as part of their thesis. Each participant is provided with a shared studio/work-place. During the first four months participants are paired with a local artist mentor who will provide feedback through studios critiques. Throughout the program visiting artists are invited for critiques and studio visits. Monthly exhibitions in the SRISA gallery provide an active artistic community and participants are invited to meet visiting artists exhibiting and at times collaborate with them.

Support Courses: In addition, artists attend three support courses, two during the first part of the program and one in the second half of the program. Courses can include: Printmaking, Photography, Book Arts, Drawing, Painting, Jewelry Design, Batik, Silk Screen, Art History, History, Italian Cinema, Italian…

Portfolio Seminar: Participants will be guided through seminars to help consolidate their current practice into a working portfolio that may be used for a variety of purposes: from preparing graduate school applications (MFA or MA) to developing successful applications for artist’s residencies or for funding specific projects. The aim of the seminar is thus to consolidate participants’ work into a portfolio that MFA program application reviewers or art professionals can navigate easily due to clarity of form and content. In addition, participants will learn how to translate the visual language of their art into a written language that coincides with their practice, which is a fundamental aspect for any young artist wishing to present their art in today’s world.

Topics in Contemporary Art: The critical theory component of the program functions in conjunction with all other aspects of the program and is an essential element of the participant’s practice. Participants will be encouraged to consider theory as a way to become an inspired and autonomously creative thinker and practitioner. In addition, they will have the opportunity to study with art writers and other theorists in order to fully comprehend the role theory plays in the international field of art and culture. These art theory seminars are held through out both the first and second sessions of the program. Participation, however, is only mandatory for the first half of the program.

Master’s Thesis: Participants use the last four months of the program to develop their written thesis and all the work for the solo exhibition. During this time artists will be expected to keep a full-time studio schedule. Meetings with the program coordinator, talks with visiting artists and curators help challenge each artist as he or she must be able to discuss with confidence the work being produced.

Faculty:
Andrew Smaldone: Program Coordinator, a program coordinator

Visiting Artists and Mentors:
Paolo Parisi
Wolfgang Berkowski
T-yong Chung
Elioise Ghioni
Regan Wheat
Justin Randolf Thompson
Robert Petena
Amy Worthen
Dennis Olsen
Meredith Dean

Visiting Art Critics and Curators:
Lorenzo Bruni
Daria Filardo

Catalog: A catalog of all the work for the exhibition and for the program will be produced in collaboration with program coordinator and participants. This catalog is a valuable documentation of the program.

One-week group excursion to Tuscan Villa: (October, Dates TBA) Program participants will be invited to stay in the Director’s home in the Tuscan hillside. This one- week jaunt into the Tuscan landscape will help serve as a break from the busy city. The quiet time in the countryside is the perfect place to draw, read and take long walks. Artists will be asked to intervene in a site-specific work that considers the natural landscape. During meal time participants will be asked to assist in the preparation of meals thus learning some valuable lessons about Italian cooking. Meals, lodgings, and transportation are included. Excursion fee: 400 Euro

How to apply:
15-20 Images
Personal Statement
Curriculum Vitae
2 Letters of Reference
College Transcripts,

Tuition & Dates:

September 2010 – April 2011 Tuition: 7,000 Euro

September 2011- April 2012 Tuition 7,000 Euro

250 Euro, One time activities fee includes:

• Welcome dinner
• Museum Card
• Field Trip
• Farewell Banquet