Index. Doctoral Studies student admission

Transcription

1 Finnish Academy of Fine Arts Application Guide 2012

2 Index When to apply 3 To the applicant 4 Finnish Academy of Fine Arts 6 Basic degrees 8 Bachelor of Fine Arts 8 Master of Fine Arts 9 Study programmes 10 Painting 10 Printmaking 10 Sculpture 11 Time and Space Arts 12 Art Theory and General Studies 13 Praxis Master s Programme in Exhibition Studies 15 Regular admission 2012 Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts Admission Criteria 18 Application Procedure 18 Application and artworks 19 Admission course 22 Announcing the results 23 Appeals 23 Admission course assignments MFA admission 2012 General Eligibility 28 Educational Background Eligible for the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts 28 Admission Criteria 28 Application Procedure 29 Application, portfolio/work samples and appendices 29 Interviews for applicants in the second phase 33 Announcing the results 33 Appeals 33 Frequently asked questions about the MFA admission 35 Student admission 2012 of Praxis Master s Programme in Exhibition Studies General eligibility 36 Admission criteria 36 Admission Procedure 37 Application, portfolio/work samples and appendices 37 Interviews for applicants in the second phase 40 Announcing the results 40 Appeals 40 Doctoral Studies student admission Frequently asked questions about studying in Finland 44 Applicants and students admitted to the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts in Students Barrier-free higher education 46 One-place-per-student provision 46 SORA-legislation 46 Further Information 47 2

3 When to apply Applications for the basic degrees of the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts are completed through the national application service. 1. Regular admission Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts ( credits, years). Fill out and submit the electronic application form at The application period begins on 5 March and ends on 3 April 2012, at 4.15 pm. Original artworks and appendices are to be delivered directly to the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts, where they are received on 2 and 3 May Check the delivery address and the times at The artworks must reach the Academy no later than Thursday 3 May at 4.15 pm, also in cases when they are posted to the Academy. 2. MFA admission Master of Fine Arts (120 credits, 2 years). Fill out and submit the electronic application form at The application period begins on 30 January and ends on 24 February, at 4.15 pm. A copy of the electronic application, with appendices, and the portfolio are to be submitted directly to the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts by Friday 24 Feb 2012, no later than at 4.15 pm. 3. Praxis Master s Programme in Exhibition Studies; student admission procedure Master of Fine Arts degree (120 study credits, two years). Fill out and submit the electronic application form at The application period begins on 30 January and ends on 24 February, at 4.15 pm. A copy of the electronic application, with appendices, and the possible portfolio, are to be submitted directly to the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts by Friday 24 February 2012, no later than at 4.15 pm. Applications for the Doctoral studies programme are processed through the public admission procedure. 4. Doctoral studies student admission procedure Doctor of Fine Arts degree (240 study credits). The application period begins on 15 December 2011 and ends on 29 February 2012 at 5.00 pm. 3

4 Dear Applicant The Finnish Academy of Fine Arts is the smallest university in Finland, and the only university that trains freelance artists. Our tuition aims at supplying our students with extensive practical and theoretical knowledge about the field of art; knowledge that enables them to develop into visual artists. The aim of the education is thus to promote understanding of the qualifications artistic activity requires.our school has the three-tier degree system of modern universities. This puts the education provided by the Academy on par with other international art academies and universities. Our teaching is based on the tradition of fine art academies, whose roots run to 15th century Europe. This means that a comprehensive idea of today s globality as well as the history of our imagery and a profound awareness of its cultural significance nourish the conceptions of art and being an artist conveyed at the Academy. Studying at the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts means having the courage to take on the unknown with open arms and without any certainty of self-evident results. Good self-knowledge, bravery and commitment combined with artistic talent are a good starting point for the studies. In addition to them, you need the will to interact with the world through art and to be prepared to find out that this relationship may evolve into a demanding and lifelong one. Markus Konttinen, Rector 4

5 Maria Kausalainen A part of the installation Luvattu maa

6 Finnish Academy of Fine Arts The Finnish Academy of Fine Arts has provided the highest education in fine arts in Finland for over 160 years. The Finnish Academy of Fine Arts today is a university focusing on contemporary art education and offering the degrees of Bachelor, Master and Doctor of Fine Arts. Studies leading to the Bachelor s and Master s degrees are provided by the sculpture, painting, printmaking and time and space arts (moving image, photography and site specific arts) study programmes. In addition to these, a new two-year Master s programme Praxis Exhibition Studies will be initiated in the autumn of It offers education focusing on art theory and methods of presenting and mediating art and is leading to a Master of Fine Arts degree. Academy s curriculum, which emphasises individuality, and its small number of students (ca 300) offer the students a unique opportunity to get long-span personal study guidance and a chance for independent work during their studies. The teachers of the Academy are active artists, who carry out their artistic work alongside their teaching and thus maintain a living contact with the field of fine arts. The studies leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (lower degree) aim to provide the student with the artistic, cognitive and theoretical basic abilities and skills required from a visual artist. After completing their degree, the students have the resources they need to work as visual artists and to carry on to the studies leading to a Master s degree and lifelong learning. The Master of Fine Arts degree (higher degree) aims to offer the students the resources to function as an independent and analytical artist in society and the world. Masters of Fine Arts have a thorough command of the instruments of fine arts and an understanding of the current significance and history of those instruments. They are qualified to act as experts and developers of fine arts and are ready to continue to postgraduate education in art. 6

7 The objective of the Doctor of Fine Arts degree (postgraduate degree) is that the students have a profound understanding of their own field of interest and achieve the qualifications needed to create high-level, artistically mature work and that they are able to carry out independent, innovative research in their own field. There are four different admission procedures for prospective students of the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts. In the regular admission procedure, students are selected to complete the Bachelor s and Master s degrees, totalling 5.5 years of study. The applicants who have already completed a lower university degree in a relevant field or other equivalent studies can apply for the two-year Master s programmes through the Master s admission procedure or for the two-year Praxis Master s Programme through the Praxis Master s Programme admission procedure. Those who have an eligible Master s degree or equivalent can apply for postgraduate studies in the four-year doctoral programme. The Academy has no special international application procedure. Foreign students participate in the normal application procedures. The Academy is an international university. Some 20% of the students are international, both degree or exchange students. Students who wish to study in European, Nordic or Russian art universities can apply for a place in an exchange programme through ERASMUS, NORDPLUS or FIRST. The Academy also has bilateral agreements with many foreign art universities e.g. in the US. The Academy also carries out active cooperation with other institutions within the field of art e.g. in organising exhibitions. Dozens of foreign guest lecturers, teachers and exhibitions visit the Academy annually. The students can also apply for the Academy s studios in Berlin and New York. 7

8 Basic degrees The basic degrees taken in the Academy of Fine Arts are the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and the Master of Fine Arts (MFA). The scope of the studies is measured in credits. One credit (cr) equates the workload of approximately 27 hours. The fulltime studies of one academic year correspond to in average 60 credits. The scope of the BFA degree is 3.5 years of fulltime studying. The MFA degree can be finished in two years. Bachelor of fine arts (BFA), 210 credits, 3.5 years The BFA degree aims to provide the student with the artistic and cognitive abilities and skills as well as theoretical basic abilities required for work as an artist. The students who have completed the degree possess an insight into the field of the fine arts and a command of the techniques of sculpture, painting, printmaking or the time and space arts. In addition, the student will also specialize in one of the fields of fine arts mentioned above. These qualifications will enable the student to keep abreast of the development of fine arts as well as apply the knowledge and skills they have gathered to their work. Completion of the BFA degree also offers the students suitable qualifications for the studies leading to a Master s degree and for lifelong learning. It also provides them with good communication and language skills. degree structure Basic Studies 40 cr Language Studies 8 cr Intermediate Studies 162 cr Major Subject Compulsory Studies 45 cr Independent Studio Work 30 cr Theoretical Studies: Art in Contemporary Society I 17 cr Drawing and Perception 10 cr Elective Studies 50 cr Bachelor s Thesis 10 cr 8

9 Master of fine arts (MFA), 120 credits, 2 years The MFA degree aims to offer the student resources for acting as independent and analytical artist in society and the world. The Masters of Fine Arts have profound command of the artistic media and understand their contemporary significance as well as their history. They can set goals and objectives for themselves and are qualified to act as experts and developers of fine arts. In addition, they have the necessary qualifications for postgraduate studies in fine arts as well as good communication and language skills. In order to finish the degree, the students must pass the studies included in the study programme and demonstrate that they have achieved the objectives set for the degree, studies and thesis as well as acquired the language skills defined in the degree requirements. degree structure Advanced studies 120 cr Artistic Studies: Critical Studies and Practice cr Theoretical Studies: Art in Contemporary Society II cr Master s Thesis 40 cr If the student has not completed the language studies required for the Master of Fine Arts degree at an earlier stage, he/she must complete them in addition to the Advanced studies (120 study credits) described above. 9

10 Study programmes The studies leading to the Bachelor s and Master s degrees are organised in study programmes. The programmes focus on specific disciplines of fine arts requiring artistic talent and expertise and seek to develop these further. The Academy offers study programmes in sculpture, painting, printmaking and time and space arts. In addition to these, in the autumn of 2012, a two-year Master s Programme Praxis Exhibition Studies will begin at the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts. It will offer the possibility to complete studies in art theory and methods of presenting and mediating art, leading to a Master of Fine Arts degree. Painting The objective of the instruction in the study programme of Painting is to expand the perspective of the student on the discipline of painting across the techniques and borders of the discipline and to aid to place contemporary art in the setting of the art historical tradition. Instruction is based on independent working and its supervision. Forms of instruction include workshops that focus on technical aspects, laboratories that combine practical and theoretical issues, seminars, lectures and study trips. Printmaking The purpose of the instruction in the study programme of Printmaking is to provide the student with comprehensive skills in and knowledge of the various methods of printmaking, its material basics and expressive possibilities and to examine printmaking in relation to the tradition, its reinterpretations and meanings as a part of contemporary art. The instruction in the study programme is based on intensive courses, workshops and projects. These include the exploration of gravure graphics, lithography, serigraphy, wood engravings and methods based on photography and digital applications. The student is given the pos- 10

11 sibility to gain a full understanding of art printed on paper, from the production of paper all the way to four-colour prints and other proofing materials, such as glass, metal and wood. The preparation of exhibitions and exploring the use of printmaking methods in three-dimensional expression. installations, painting, book binding and moving image are also essential elements of the studies. The instruction also includes a seminar on visual culture, aimed at all printmaking students, with the objective of providing the students with information about the roots of and current trends in the graphic arts. The seminar sessions feature presentations by the students on their own works and discussions on their contents and basis, in interaction with both Finnish and international artists and critics, and also student visits to exhibitions, as well as lectures, text seminars, artists introductions and studio visits. The most significant part of the studies is composed of the individual artistic work of the student: learning by error and success, by trial and plans. Interaction and discussions between the student and the teacher are central elements in this process. The objective is for the student to acquire a comprehensive understanding of all the opportunities and properties with which the students can express themselves. Sculpture The study programme in Sculpture examines the use of three-dimensional space in artistic work. The instruction is based on utilising the various approaches in contemporary sculpture in the student s own artistic work and the in-depth understanding of the techniques available. The instruction on contemporary sculpture contains, in addition to works of art located in galleries or museums, exploration of time, space or situation specific processes. Furthermore, the programme emphasises understanding of works placed in public spaces. The main emphasis of the studies is in the independent artistic work of the student, advised through discussions. The objectives of independent artistic work are to support the expression and concepts of the student and the development of creative problem-solving abilities. 11

12 Time and space arts The study programme of Time and Space Arts focuses on the interactive connections between time, space and the body. The student can place emphasis in one of the three specialisations within the study programme: moving image, site and situation specific arts, and photography. The objective of the study programme is to provide the students with a thorough understanding of these fields of art as well as insight into the manners in which they are interconnected and linked to the general art history. The students are encouraged to develop their own, unique approach and to experiment with the various methods of expression. These include audio, video and film, photography, performances, installations and electronic art, and others. The instruction is aimed at achieving a command of the various methods of expression through theory and practice and, in so doing, to strengthen the artistic ideas and work of the student. Instruction in the Time and Space Arts is composed of courses, workshops, seminars and independent artistic work that is supported and monitored by arranging individual contact sessions of instruction. The students who are taking the Bachelor s degree in the study programme begin their studies with a period intended for all students, offering insight into the various alternatives of specialisation and their basics. Anna Rokka, Nowhere is Here Never is Now,

13 Art Theory and General Studies The objective of instruction in Art Theory is to provide the students with the conceptual tools of understanding the different elements of contemporary art and the different working methods as well as the factors entailed in working as an artist in our culture. A command of the history and theory of contemporary art is a prerequisite for being able to evaluate current art trends and the contemporary world in a broad, independent and critical fashion. The theoretical instruction emphasises, in particular, the dialogue between the theory of contemporary art and different artistic practices. The objective of the instruction is for students to have sufficient intellectual information so that they possess a command of the field of international art theory and its different perspectives. The teachers of Art Theory include both artists and theorists and, in addition to the appointed teaching staff, there are a number of lecturers. The objective of the large amount of instruction organised in the form of lessons is in addition to guaranteeing expertise in different fields to ensure that the needs of the students regarding the examination of questions in the theory, philosophy and arts are met in a comprehensive manner. Furthermore, writing instruction, the command of the artist s statement and essay genres and the understanding of the operational technicalities of the art world have a significant role in the studies. General studies at the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts covers the curriculum of the first academic year and tuition in drawing and perception, common for all students, as well as courses in information and communication technology and language education. At the beginning of the autumn term, new first-year students begin an intensive study module (called Mylly, i.e. Mill ) which lasts until the end of the autumn term. The study module, organised in a single group for all first-year students, consists of instruction in the basics of artistic work. The instruction includes basic studies in each study programme (sculpture, painting, printmaking, time and space arts) and instruction in drawing and perception. The instruction is mainly organised in periods, two to three weeks in length, led by different teachers and lecturers. 13

14 Saara Inari Lähteenmäki, Self Portrait with a Deer. 14

15 Praxis Master s Programme in Exhibition Studies In the autumn of 2012, a new Master s programme in art theory, called Praxis Master s Programme in Exhibition Studies, will begin at the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts. The two-year Master s Programme comprises 120 study credits. The Praxis Master s Programme is aimed at artists and people involved in the field of the fine arts. The students who complete the programme will graduate with a Master of Fine Arts degree. Objectives and contents Praxis Master s Programme in Exhibition Studies provides the students with the tools for content-oriented presentation of art, focusing on the perspectives of the work of an artist. The programme provides the students with the theoretical and practical properties needed in discussing the arts and the methods of presenting and mediating art. These properties are, first and foremost, the qualities needed for the profession of curator. The students are provided with the essential knowledge of art theory and criticism as well as the practical aspects of arranging art exhibitions in a broad sense, the practicalities linking the arts and the art world. The objective is to offer artists and others involved in the field of fine arts new kinds of professional possibilities. The contents of the instruction take into account the increasing need of artists and other professionals in the field of the arts to participate in international work opportunities, discussions and the circulation of the works of art. An additional purpose of the Master s Programme is to promote the realisation of student exhibitions and artistic projects and to establish contacts in the field of fine arts and the related institutions. The programme works in cooperation with galleries, museums, various art institutions, arts and science universities in Finland and aboard and organisations in the field. 15

16 Degree Structure Master of fine arts degree (MFA) 120 study credits, two years Advanced studies 120 credits Art and theory contexts in art (i.e., the studies in art theory) approximately 35 credits Practicalities of organising art exhibitions (exhibition design) and artistic studies for fine arts students, approximately 45 credits Master s thesis project and maturity test 40 credits If the student has not completed the language studies required for the Master of Fine Arts degree at an earlier stage, he/she must complete them in addition to the Advanced studies (120 study credits) described above. Studies The Advanced studies (120 credits) focus on the theoretical knowledge of art, the history of contemporary art and the practices of art presentation and exhibitions. The studies in art theory (around 35 credits) include study modules on the theory and history of contemporary art, the methodology of art studies, philosophy of art, art criticism, art text production, etc. The study module also features lectures by visiting teachers, seminars and workshops. Some of the courses included in the Practicalities of organising exhibitions (45 credits) study module are: theoretical basics of art curating, the As an artist in society course, exhibition design and production, installation of art, special matters in curating, cultural and artistic administration and legislation. Furthermore, the students are provided with relevant basics on marketing the arts and cultural productions. The fine arts students participating in the programme also complete artistic studies. The Advanced study phase includes a Master s thesis project, comprising 40 study credits, and a maturity test. 16

17 Language of instruction The primary language of instruction in the Master s Programme is Finnish, but the programme also includes study modules and courses in English, and possibly international study visits. Students The maximum number of students to be admitted to the Praxis Master s Programme for the study period is ten (10). The grounds for admission include in addition to a relevant educational background the artistic abilities demonstrated by the student or a thorough knowledge of the fine arts as well as the qualities required for pursuing studies that emphasise theoretical aspects and lead to a Master s degree at the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts. Students who have completed a degree in a relevant field, either at a university or a university of applied sciences, are eligible to apply. In addition to the fine arts, relevant fields include, for example, art history, aesthetics, philosophy, political sciences, cultural politics and cultural production. Hannah Hamberg, Kynsi,

18 Regular admission 2012 Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts The students admitted in the regular admission procedure are accepted for studies leading to the Master of Fine Arts degrees (5.5 years). The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (3.5 years) is a part of the master degree. The study programme is chosen after being admitted to the Academy, during the first year of studies. Admission criteria An applicant who demonstrates talent in fine arts and has an eligible educational background can be accepted to the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts to pursue the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and carry on to the Master of Fine Arts degree. The following degrees make an applicant eligible to apply to the Academy, as indicated by the Universities Act (558/2009, 37 ): matriculation examination, a polytechnic Bachelor s degree, a higher vocational qualification, a vocational upper secondary qualification, a vocational qualification awarded on the completion of education of at least three years in duration or a foreign education entitling the applicant to apply for equivalent university studies. The Academy can also decide to accept an applicant without a degree if the Academy deems the applicant to possess suitable cognitive and practical skills for the studies. The artistic abilities expressed by the applicant, the basis for admission in addition to the eligible background studies, are examined through the work samples the applicant presents and the work he/she demonstrates at the admission course. Admission procedure The basic student admission procedure of the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts is conducted by the Admission Board and the admission juries, 18

19 made up of professors and tenured teachers of the Academy together with student representatives. The composition of these organs varies from year to year. (Members can also be invited from outside the Academy for the admission juries.) The admission procedure for the regular admission is divided into two phases. The admission jury for regular admission chooses (in the first phase) the applicants to be invited to the admission course, based on the work samples submitted by the applicants. After the one-week admission course, the admission jury selects (in the second phase), the applicants it will propose to the Admission Board, based on the work samples and the work demonstrated by the student at the admission course. The Admission Board then makes the final proposition to the Rector on who should be selected as students for the basic degrees, and the Rector then approves the new students to be admitted at the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts. Points are not issued for the work samples or the work during the admission course. Application and artworks The Finnish Academy of Fine Arts regular admission (BFA + MFA) is arranged through the national application service. 1. Fill out and submit the electronic application form at Print out a paper copy of your electronic application form. The application period begins on 5 March and ends on 3 April at 4.15 pm. If you cannot apply online, you can order a paper application form during the appli- CATION period from the National Board of Education s National applicant s service by telephone on weekdays from 12 to 3 pm, tel (price of the call is the INTERNATIONAL call charge from your country). Please give information on all edu- CATIONS you want to apply to (university and name of the education) and your POSTAL address. You cannot order a paper application form by You must submit the following to the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts separately during the period of 2 3 May, The original sample works (no more than five, more detailed instructions below) Description form for the sample works 19

20 A paper copy of the electronic application form A short motivational letter, in which you describe why you wish to study at the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts and what you expect from the studies. (You do not need to submit copies of any certificates at this stage.) Please note! Check the exact delivery address and delivery times for the work samples and appendices at If you send your artworks by mail, they must reach the address announced by the ACADEMy by Thursday 3 May at 4.15 pm a postmark dated that day does not suffice! If the artworks are delivered by airmail or a transport company, you must make sure THAT the works are delivered directly to the address given (home delivery). Deliveries WHOSE home delivery is not paid for will not be claimed by the ACADEMy. Please note! PARTS of the application submitted by cannot be processed. work samples The artworks must express the applicant s aspirations in fine arts. You must include original artworks to allow the admission jury to get the best possible feeling of and insight into the works. You can submit up to five (5) works. The works can be drawings, paintings, sculptures, prints, and works of photography, video, conceptual or media art. Do not send images of your works, send the original works. Only submit moving image in digital format! Mark your name on every work and detail your work samples on the separate description form for the sample works. Moving image/videos Edit the material submitted so that the length of all of your works does not exceed five minutes and that all the works can be viewed on a single tape/disc. The accepted format for moving image / video works are: DVD-Video disc. Ensure that the recording is made in the PAL system (the European video standard) and that it is possible to play with a standard DVD player. If this is not the case, the sample works will not be viewed. In addition to the DVD-Video standard, we 20

21 accept discs in the Video CD or Super Video CD standards that can be played with a standard DVD player. The soundtrack of the DVD will be presented in stereo format (2 channels). The disc may contain only work intended for the application procedure. Please note! We do not accept the following formats: CD-ROM, DATA-DV. DV on Mini-DV tape. Make sure that the cassette is recorded using PAL (the European video standard) and that it has NOT been recorded at half speed. In other words, a normal Mini-DV that can be screened using a standard digital video camera. Wind the take to where you want the screening to begin. On Mini-DV tape, we do not accept the NTSC system (American video standard) or any of the following formats: HDV, DVCAM, DVCPRO. All videos must bear the following information: name of author (Note! the tape/disc must also be marked!), address, date of completion, participants and other relevant information. Multimedia and online works Edit demos of these works in moving image. The total length of all the moving image works must not exceed five minutes. Large installations and other threedimensional works The works must be original artworks. If you decide to present printouts of large-scale installations or other three-dimensional work, the maximum number of printouts is 10 (this does not affect the upper limit of not more than 5 works). Make sure you note the number of works and the number of printouts on the description form for the sample works. Every printout must indicate the name of author and the title of work. Homepages The admission jury will not have the opportunity to look at the applicants homepages. 21

22 insuring the artworks The Academy is not responsible for the works and will not insure them. The Academy is not liable for any possible damage to the works. If you want to insure your work, you must do it at your own expense. returning the works If you are not invited for the admission course, you must collect the works at the Academy as soon as the names of the invitees are published. If you wish the Academy to mail the works back to you, you must state so in your form for the artworks. You are responsible for the postage (include a sufficient number of stamps in the original delivery). If the works are delivered by airmail to the Academy, you must be packed so that the original package can be reused for mailing the works back. Otherwise the Academy will charge you with the packaging costs. The Academy cannot store the works. Any uncollected works or works without sufficient reply postage will be destroyed. Admission course The names of the applicants selected for the admission course/qualified for the second phase, will be posted on the official notice board of the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts (Kaikukatu 4, FIN Helsinki). Those selected for the second phase will also receive an invitation for the admission course by post or . The admission course will begin on Monday 21 May and end on Monday 28 May. It is an all-day course with working hours usually from 9 am to 5 pm daily. The attendants must bring the equipment they need (drawing and painting equipment at the minimum). There may be a small fee for the course organization and additional materials. During the admission course the attendants are given assignments, whose nature and content change yearly. 22

23 Announcing the results The results of the admission procedure and the names of the students admitted to the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts are announced on the official notice board of the Academy (Kaikukatu 4, Helsinki) and on the Academy s website ( on Wednesday 6 June After this, you can enquire regarding the results of student admission by phone as well, by calling +358 (0) (exchange). Appeals In case an applicant is not satisfied with the results of the student selection, she/he may appeal in writing to the Academy within 14 days of the announcing of the results of the admission procedure. 23

24 Emma Tryti, Kvinna med fjarilar i håret,

25 Admission course assignments The written assignment What I Saw is compulsory and carried out on Tuesday. Choose two or three other assignments and carry them out during the admission course. You can make one or more works on each assignment you choose. 1. What I Saw Two short films are screened a couple of times on Tuesday. Write a commentary on what you saw. The assignment is compulsory. 2. Something Familiar, Something Strange Begin the assignment by visiting the nearby cemetery and beach. Treat your experience with the title in mind. The technique and material are free. 3. Yestrday-Now-Tomorrow Carry out the theme in two works that interpret the title in different ways. Both works can consist of one or more parts. 4. Colour Make a work that analyses colour. Use a disposable camera and integrate one or more photographs into the work. 5. From Material To Image Interpret sensation freely with the materials and technique of your choice ) Man and space, 2) Hernesaari, 3) Dialogue, 4) Nature Morte The participants are asked to complete works about the themes below. The amount and the medium are free. However, there must be one work, where you have used painting or drawing medium, one work done by using photo or video and one threedimensional work (sculpture/installation/performance). Advance assignment: Why do I want to become artist? Max one A4 sheet No advance assignments. Admission Course programme: 1. Approaching painting. Consider the essence of painting. 2. Create / mark / point out a space or react to a space. You are free to explain your solution. If the space is physical, it must be situated in the Kaikukatu 4 facilities. Present the documentation if the space is somewhere else. 3. Use the text enclosed as starting point for an art piece/art pieces. The participants are required to carry out at least one work for each assignment.you can also choose to make several works for an assignment. The technique and the medium are free. 25

26 Surprising combination Combine two things normally not associated with each other. They can be things of whatever status: characteristics of form, concrete things or abstract phenomena. To elaborate: density refers to form, a French horn is a concrete thing and xenophobia is an abstract phenomenon. The distinctions are not clear-cut. A tulip and a farewell are concrete things but a tulip is more concrete than a farewell. Yet a farewell is less abstract than xenophobia. Sameness can be formal, concrete or abstract. You can combine things of the same or different level, for example an outcast with Friday or angular with moist. Here are some examples from poetry. One of Saila Susiluoto s poems is called Rooms of water. Juhana Vähänen poses the question: What is the equivalent of rocket launcher in my everyday surroundings? Karri Kokko has come up with new compound words: a rose loan / moose fingers / scream granny / carousel rust / fixed beast / abstinence trap. This exercise measures the ability to associate. In the assessment attention will be paid to how unexpected the combination is and on how interesting the results of the comparison are. Creating is about making unexpected comparisons. Show your ability to create something new by juxtaposing old things. 2. Define place / space and your relationship to it. 3. Following theme in a freely chosen method: blackwhite black - white black,white black-white black/white Even the smallest thing can change the meaning of the whole, e.g. punctuation in the above. Visualize something that depicts different relations and proportions. 4. Your take on society as an art work Viivana On line 2. Light 3. Here Complete works on at least two (of the aforementioned) themes. Use at least two techniques that you can choose freely. At least one of the works must be a drawing. 26

27 Eeva Peura, Naisen profiili Limburgin veljesten seuraajan mukaan,

28 MFA Admission 2012 In the special MFA admission you apply for studies leading to a Master of Fine Arts degree (120 cr). The studies are organised in the following study programmes: painting, sculpture, printmaking and time and space arts. In time and space arts, you can specialise either in moving image, site and situation specific arts, or photography. General Eligibility The following degrees make an applicant eligible to apply for studies leading only to the Master of Fine Arts degree: an eligible Bachelor s degree, an eligible polytechnic Bachelor s degree or an eligible foreign education entitling the applicant to apply for equivalent university studies. The academy can also decide to accept applicants without a degree if they deem the applicant to possess suitable cognitive and practical skills for the studies. The Academy can require a person accepted as a student to augment their qualifications to acquire the skills necessary for the MFA studies. Educational Background Eligible for the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts Bachelor of Fine Arts degree awarded from a Finnish or foreign university Polytechnic Bachelor s degree in arts The Academy assesses the adequateness of other cognitive and practical skills individually. Admission criteria In the Master s programme admission procedure, the criteria are, in addition to the completion of the eligible education indicated above, the artistic abilities demonstrated by the applicant and suitability for the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts studies leading to a Master s degree. In the first phase, the assessment is based on the application, appendices and portfolio or work samples and, in the second phase, the interview and possible supplementary demonstrations of work. 28

29 Admission procedure The student admission procedure for basic students of the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts is conducted by the Admission Board and the admission juries, made up of professors and tenured teachers of the Academy together with student representatives. The composition of these organs varies from year to year. (Members can also be invited from outside the Academy for the admission juries.) The admission procedure of the Master s programme is divided into two phases. The admission jury for the Master s programme chooses (in the first phase) the applicants to be invited to the interview, based on the portfolios/work samples submitted by the applicants. After the interviews, the admission jury selects (in the second phase), the applicants it will propose to the Admission Board, based on the interviews and possible supplementary demonstrations of work submitted. The Admission Board makes the final proposition to the Rector on who should be selected as students for the basic degrees, and the Rector then approves the new students to be admitted at the Finnish Academy of Fine Art. Points are not issued for the applications, portfolios/work samples or interviews. Please note! The admission jury can propose an applicant to be admitted without an interview. The admission jury can also suggest the applicant a study programme other than their first preference (incl. the art theoretical Master s Programme Praxis Exhibition Studies). Application, portfolio/work samples and appendices The Finnish Academy of Fine Arts MFA admission is arranged through the national application service. 1. Fill out and submit the electronic application at You should also print out a paper copy of the electronic application. The application period begins on 30 January and ends on 24 February at 4.15 pm. If you cannot submit an electronic application, you can order an application form on paper from the Finnish ACADEMy of Fine Arts, either by phoning +358(0) , by fax +358(0) , by post (Finnish ACADEMy of Fine Arts, Kaikukatu 4, FIN Helsinki, please mark Hakulomaketilaus on the envelope) or by (hakijapalve- 29

30 subject line: Hakulomaketilaus ). When requesting the paper form, please INDICATE your full name, detailed address and your phone number. The paper copy of the application form is submitted to the Finnish ACADEMy of Fine Arts, together with the appendices and the portfolio/work samples, not later than Friday 24 February at 4.15 pm. 2. Submit a paper copy of your electronic application, the portfolio/work samples and all required appendices to the application directly to the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts, no later than Friday 24 February at 4.15 pm. Delivery address: Finnish ACADEMy of Fine Arts, Kaikukatu 4, FIN Helsinki. If you submit the appendices by post, make sure that they arrive at the Finnish ACADEMy of Fine Arts on 24 February 2012 at the latest a postal stamp with that date does not suffice! Applications and portfolios/work samples that arrive late will not be pro- CESSED. The Finnish ACADEMy of Fine Arts will not claim applications that have insufficient postage paid. Please note! PARTS of the application sent by will not be PROcessed. PARTS of the application 1. The electronic application form, completed and submitted at Parts of the application to be sent to the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts separately: 2. A paper copy of the electronic application. 3. An informal application, where you describe your artistic work and explain why you want to pursue a Master s degree in the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts. You should also mention which areas of the studies you find most important. You can also state which study programme is closest to your way of working. The maximum length of the application is 4 pages (A4, spacing 1.5). 4. Portfolio, maximum size A3 (detailed instructions below) 5. CV (including personal information, education, work experience, exhibitions, publications, awards, grants and study trips) 6. Copies of certificates of completed art studies and any other certificates to which you wish to refer. Also an account of the structure and content of the BFA / Polytechnic Bachelor s degree studies from the institute awarding the degree if the information is not set out on the certificate. 30

31 portfolio/work samples You should consider carefully the contents of your portfolio or work samples. The maximum size of the portfolio or work samples is A3. Only moving image can be submitted in digital format. Do not submit samples of the same work in more than one form. The portfolio and all work samples must clearly indicate the names of the applicant and of the works! If there are any technical aspects to viewing your works, please indicate them clearly. Moving image/videos Edit the material submitted so that the length of all of your works does not exceed five minutes and that all the works can be viewed on a single tape/disc. The accepted format for moving image/video works are: DVD-Video disc. Ensure that the recording is made in the PAL system (the European video standard) and that it is possible to play with a standard DVD player. If this is not the case, the sample works will not be viewed. In addition to the DVD-Video standard, we accept discs in the Video CD or Super Video CD standards that can be played with a standard DVD player. The soundtrack of the DVD will be presented in stereo format (2 channels). The disc may contain only work intended for the application procedure. Please note! We do not accept the following formats: CD-ROM, DATA-DV. DV on Mini-DV tape. Make sure that the cassette is recorded using pal (the European video standard) and that it has NOT been recorded at half speed. In other words, a normal Mini-DV that can be screened using a standard digital video camera. Wind the take to where you want the screening to begin. On Mini-DV tape, we do not accept the NTSC system (American video standard) or any of the following formats: HDV, DVCAM, DVCPRO. All videos must bear the following information: name of author (Note! the tape/disc must also be marked!), address, date of completion, participants and other relevant information 31

32 Multimedia and online works Edit demos of these works in moving image. The total length of all the moving image works must not exceed five minutes. Homepages The admission jury will not have the opportunity to look at the applicants homepages. Insuring portfolios/work samples The Academy is not responsible for the works and will not insure them. If you want to insure your works, you must do so at your own expense. returning the portfolio you must collect your portfolio from the Caretaker of the Academy on 7 June at the earliest and on 29 June 2012 at the latest (at Kaikukatu 4, HELSINKI). If you want your portfolio returned by mail, you must include a postage-paid envelope in your application. Then the portfolio will be returned after the application procedure. Other application documents will not be returned. Any uncollected portfolios or portfolios without sufficient reply postage will be destroyed after 29 June The Academy is not liable for any possible damage to the works. 32

33 Interviews for applicants in the second phase The names of the applicants selected for an interview/qualified for the second phase will be posted on the official notice board of the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts (Kaikukatu 4, FIN Helsinki) on Friday 30 March Those qualified for the second phase will also receive an invitation for the interview by post or . The interviews will take place at the facilities of the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts during weeks 16 and 17. The exact time of the interview will be announced in the invitation. Announcing the results The results of the admission procedure and the names of the students admitted to the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts are posted on the official notice board of the Academy (Kaikukatu 4, FIN Helsinki) and on the website of the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts ( on Wednesday 6 June Thereafter you can also inquire about the results of the student admission by phone (switchboard). Appeals In case an applicant is not satisfied with the results of the student selection, they may appeal in writing to the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts within 14 days of the announcing of the results of the admission procedure. 33

34 Laura Paavilainen, Keskipäivän posti,

35 Frequently asked questions about MFA admission I will get my BFA degree in early summer. Can I still participate in the special MFA admission of the same spring? Yes, you can. If you are admitted to the MFA studies, all you have to do is deliver a copy of your BFA certificate to the Academy at the latest when you return your written affirmation that you agree to receive placement at the Academy. Do I have to state which courses I intend to take in my informal application? You aren t meant to write a list of courses, and it would be impossible to name them because you get the syllabus only at the beginning of the term. Your application should state the things you feel are important and interest you in your studies, as well as the things you want to concentrate on and examine more closely. For example, do you want to continue in the direction you have chosen or conquer new areas? Is there a minimum or maximum number of works that can be included in the portfolio? Officially, no. However, you should bear in mind that we receive many applications and going through the portfolios takes time. Consider how you can use your works to give the best idea of yourself and the aims you set out in your informal application. It is also a question of you deciding what is central in your work and how you show it. We are also interested to see where you are as an artist now and how you intend to continue, and how the works in your portfolio back up these issues. I have a university degree and I have taken many art courses and been actively making art for a long time. Can I participate in the MFA admission of the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts? The specific educational criterion is a BFA degree or a polytechnic degree with a major in arts or an equivalent foreign degree. Various art courses or even other educational institutes do not usually give sufficient cognitive and practical skills for studies leading to a Master s degree. The best option for you is to apply for a study place in the regular admission, and if you are admitted to the Academy, have some of your previous studies accepted as a part of your BFA. 35