MFA Programme in Crafts, Textile Art

The master’s programme in Crafts specializing in textile art is based on artistic exploration through materials and concepts. As a student of the programme, you will gain a deeper understanding of material, explore new narratives through textile as a carrier of history, and be prepared to contribute to the broad and dynamic field of textile art. You will develop skill-based knowledge and enhance your execution of artistic work based on your own artistic inquiries within textile art. About All societies need reference points to form their future and to orient themselves in the present. Crafts constitute such a reference point through their associations with human needs and activities. The subject of crafts extends from tradition to science, forming an exciting, artistic arena. The master’s programme in Crafts at the Academy of Art and Design in Gothenburg is an all-encompassing environment that involves constant exchange and interaction between undergraduate education, research, and society. The master’s programme in Crafts has three specializations: • jewellery art • ceramic art • textile art Collaborative work environment and individual development The courses in the programme are taken together with students from the other specializations, but your work will be done within textile art. During your education, you will develop your ability to initiate and resolve artistic projects creating vital confidence with your own working methods. This demands independence and the capacity for initiative. You will have the opportunity to broaden your frame of reference, develop exploratory artistic working methods, and deepen your technical and theoretical knowledge. Our study groups are small and you will work in close cooperation with fellow students and staff. Additionally, you will have an individually allocated workplace and generous access to the school. Support in shaping your artistic expression Artistic exploration through materials and concepts is the basis of the programme. Course work encourages the development of skill-based knowledge, fosters debate about the meaning of material inquiries, and investigates the conceptual identity of the crafts. Through studio work, theory, writing, and reflection, you will shape your artistic expression, and will have further support with lectures, seminars, and supervision. The artistic and investigatory process comprises the foundation of the programme and you will have access to well-equipped workshops and study places right in the centre of Gothenburg. Specializing in textile art In the light and beautiful textile workshops—the fibre workshop and the printing workshop—you will find equipment to work with manual and digital techniques for tapestry and jacquard weaving, tufting, sewing, printing and colouring, and embroidery, to mention a few. Elective Programme Courses Several of the programmes include the requirement to take elective programme courses. These courses aim to expand your knowledge in other artistic areas and provide opportunities to develop your skills and abilities. In the elective courses, you will meet students from other disciplines. You apply for the elective courses based on an annually decided course offering. Programme structure and content During the first semester you are introduced to various tools and methods with the aim of identifying your own area of interest within your chosen subject specialization. During the second semester you realize an in-depth artistic projects within your chosen subject specialization and develop insight into your own working methods and artistic choices. During the third semester you further develops in your artistic practice and knowledge of materials, techniques and making. You begin work on your degree project by formulating a project plan and a theoretical basis for the independent work in parallel with the practice-based research work. During the fourth semester you complete the independent degree project, including a major artistic work, a degree report and a presentation of the project within the framework of a degree exhibition. Who should apply? Are you interested in developing the broad and dynamic textile art field? Are you interested in finding new narratives through textile? Do you want to explore the value of labour and time through making? Are you fascinated by textile as a carrier of history? If you want to pursue artistic exploration through the materials and concepts of textiles, then apply for the master’s programme in Crafts specializing in textile art. After graduation Graduates of the programme receive the degree Master of Fine Arts in Crafts with a specialization in textile art. Successful completion of the programme anticipates that you will be ready for a professional career as a textile artist. You will also be prepared to apply for postgraduate studies in the field. Facilities HDK-Valands facilities on Kristinelundsgatan are situated in the middle of Gothenburg in the same building complex as Röhsska Museum of Design and Crafts. It is an international study environment with well-equipped workshops close to the arts.