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“UCLA Launches Three-Year MFA Program in Media Arts: Now Accepting Applications”

“UCLA Launches Three-Year MFA Program in Media Arts: Now Accepting Applications”

Exploring the MFA in Media Arts at UCLA: A Pathway to Innovative Creativity

The MFA in Media Arts at UCLA stands out as one of the most cutting-edge graduate programs in the field, offering an unparalleled opportunity for artists to delve into the intersection of art, technology, and media. Housed within the prestigious School of the Arts and Architecture, the program provides a vibrant and collaborative environment for creative exploration and academic rigor. Whether you are an emerging artist or a seasoned practitioner, this three-year program is designed to equip students with the skills and critical awareness necessary to redefine and push the boundaries of media arts today.

### A Dynamic Blend of Art, Technology, and Theory

The program’s curriculum reflects the ever-evolving nature of media arts, crafting a foundation for students to interrogate traditional conventions while boldly exploring new methodologies. Through a blend of technical and theoretical seminars, group critiques, and individual tutorials, students are encouraged to develop a critical awareness of their work as well as its broader implications. The structure of the program cultivates a rigorous, self-directed approach to artistry, emphasizing hands-on experimentation and deep intellectual inquiry.

Key focuses of the program include questioning how technology shapes culture, examining the aesthetic and ethical dimensions of new media, and inventing new tools and forms of expression. With its forward-looking vision, the UCLA MFA in Media Arts positions its students to contribute to the cutting edge of artistic innovation.

### A World-Class Faculty and Collaborative Ecosystem

At the heart of the program is its renowned faculty, whose collective expertise spans various areas of media arts including immersive storytelling, programming, interactive design, electronic arts, gaming, and more. The faculty includes celebrated artists and scholars such as **Jenna Caravello**, **Lauren Lee McCarthy**, **Casey Reas**, **Mindy Seu**, and **Victoria Vesna**, all of whom bring a diversity of perspectives and practices to the learning environment. Their mentorship helps students forge new pathways in art-making while benefiting from their experience in the contemporary art and technology sectors.

Students also benefit from extensive interdisciplinary resources. As part of UCLA, a global research powerhouse, participants have access to a wide array of academic and creative facilities. Collaboration is encouraged across departments such as computer science, film, engineering, and sociology, broadening the scope of students’ artistic inquiries. This approach highlights the program’s commitment to fostering media artists who are not only rooted in the arts but are adept at traversing broader intellectual domains.

### Exceptional Facilities and Research Labs

The MFA in Media Arts program emphasizes the importance of state-of-the-art resources, providing 24-hour access to specialized spaces and labs that enable artists to test their most ambitious ideas. Some of the standout facilities and initiatives available to students include:

– **UCLA Game Lab**: A hub for exploring experimental game design and interactive media.
– **UCLA Social Software**: A research platform examining the social and cultural realities of software-driven environments.
– **Art|Sci Center**: A space fostering collaboration between artists and scientists to address complex global issues like climate change and sustainability.
– **CounterForce Lab**: A forward-thinking lab that focuses on art strategies addressing ecological emergency and resilience.
– **UCLA Arts Conditional Studio**: A facility dedicated to digital creativity and innovation.

These resources are complemented by a digital fabrication lab equipped with cutting-edge tools for 3D printing, laser cutting, woodworking, and more, giving students the ability to turn ambitious concepts into tangible outputs.

### Financial Support and Opportunities for Growth

UCLA understands the financial challenges of pursuing advanced degrees and offers robust financial aid packages to support students throughout the program. Teaching and research assistantships, as well as numerous grants and fellowships, are available, allowing students to fund their education while gaining valuable professional experience. This combination of financial support and career development opportunities speaks to the program’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of media artists.

Additionally, students are encouraged to apply for competitive external fellowships that can bolster their research and creative projects. These opportunities, paired with UCLA’s extensive alumni network, help students to not only thrive during their time in the program but also transition confidently into professional roles afterward.

### A Call for Diverse Perspectives

The program actively seeks applicants with diverse backgrounds and fields of study to expand the conception and practice of media arts. By fostering an inclusive and multicultural learning environment, the MFA in Media Arts creates a fertile ground for fresh perspectives and unconventional approaches that challenge traditional norms and disciplines.

### Application Details

If you’re ready to take the next step in your artistic career and explore the limitless possibilities of media arts, the application deadline for the program is **January 4, 2025**. Potential candidates are invited to learn more about the program by attending virtual info sessions or visiting the official site at <a href="https://bit.ly/3D