Full applications for the MFA program should be postmarked to Maine College of Art, 522 Congress Street, Portland Maine 04101 by January 15th, 2010. First priority will be given to all candidates who submit by this date. Applications submitted after January 15th will be considered based on space available.

Application advice is available on our FAQ page. The MFA has a student ambassador who is happy to answer any questions you may have about the program from “the inside,” while the Operations Coordinator, Rachel Katz is able to provide more specific information about the application process and the program structure. Please contact Rachel at (rkatz@meca. edu) for assistance.

MECA has numerous scholarships, assistantships, and job positions that help provide tuition relief for its students. The full time tuition for 2009-2010 was $27,550. Click here to view the tuition and fee schedule. Up to date information on financial aid for MECA MFA students can be viewed by clicking here.

HOW TO APPLY

STEP ONE: To initiate the application process, candidates for admission must first register online here. If you encounter any difficulty with the on-line system, please contact Rachel Katz at rkatz@meca.edu.

STEP TWO: Once an application has been initiated through the on-line registration form, you will receive an acknowledgement email that will ask you to submit these materials to the College:

A non-refundable $40.00 application fee ($60 for international applicants), payable to Maine College of Art.

A program proposal of roughly seven-hundred and fifty words that (1) describes the applicant’s intended field of exploration. The proposal should include (2) an artist or curatorial statement that clearly articulates the research — the originary sources, materials, cultural, and critical contexts — that have led the candidate to choose their particular area of studio or project work. Successful candidates must also (3) articulate how their particular practice translates ideas and concepts into material form or immersive contexts.

A cd, video, or other media representation of recent work with accompanying descriptive image list. Twenty digital images or 10 minutes of video maximum. All material must be Mac compatible.

A full curriculum vitae (education, employment history, exhibitions, publications, honors, etc.)

Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. [These should be sent directly to the Admissions Office at the address below.]

Two letters of recommendation written by individuals who can speak from direct experience about the applicant’s potential to thrive within a rigorous, cross-disciplinary graduate environment. Letters should address the candidate’s ability to work independently, to contribute to an intensive learning community, as well as the candidate’s promise as a maker of high quality visual art. [Signed and sealed letters may be included in your application or your recommendors may send their letters directly to: MFA Admissions at the address directly below.]

Some candidates may be interviewed by the Admissions Committee. Finalists may be required to make a presentation of their work to the Committee or submit additional written work as requested.

Maine College of Art
522 Congress Street
Portland, Maine 04101
Attn: MFA admissions

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Accepted international students will need to complete the Declaration of Finances (DOF) form, which can be downloaded here:

• DOF Medium Residency Form (pdf)
• DOF High Residency Form (pdf)