Call for Applications: University of Waterloo Funded MFA in Studio Art 2024

Stephanie Florence. Detail from rinse and repeat, 2023. Photo: Scott Lee.

University of Waterloo, Department of Fine Arts
Waterloo, ON

Application Deadline: February 1, 2024

The MFA Studio Art Program
Waterloo has an intimate program built around studio research, practice, professional development, and pedagogical training. Studio work culminates in a solo exhibition at UWAG (University of Waterloo Art Gallery); see past thesis exhibitions here. The pedagogical component includes a seminar in course development, two teaching assistantships and the opportunity to teach an introductory, studio-based course.

Brent Garbett. New Day / New Painting, 2023. Photo: Scott Lee.

There are many reasons to study Fine Arts with us, and the highlights include our funding, our faculty and facilities, plus the jewel of our program—the Keith and Win Shantz International Research scholarship.

Generous Funding Plus
Our funding is $39,850, (which includes the $9,850 Shantz Scholarship), one-on-one mentoring with distinguished faculty, plenty of access to facilities, a solo exhibition in our nationally renowned gallery UWAG, and teaching placements).

Here’s Who You Could Work With

Lois Andison, Professor—sculpture and installation
Matthew Carver, Assistant Professor—painting and mixed media
Cora Cluett, Associate Professor—photography and painting
Tara Cooper, Associate Professor—print media and video
Joan Coutu, Professor—visual culture and art history
Ivan Jurakic, Director of UWAG—curator
Logan MacDonald, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Art — Indigeneity, painting, installation and curation
Bruce Taylor, Professor—ceramics, sculpture and drawing
Jessica Thompson, Associate Professor—sound, performance, mobile technologies
Bojana Videkanic, Associate Professor—art history, theory, performance art and curation

Come Here, Go Anywhere
A key feature of our program are the Keith and Win Shantz International Research Scholarships, which enable all MFA candidates to travel and study alongside a professional artist during their summer term. Our students have been to Brazil, China, England, France, Germany, Norway, Portugal, Prague, Scotland, Spain, and the United States.

Sarah Martin. Photo shoot in a 13th century convent in Corsica, France, 2022, taken while interning with photographer Laura Steven. Supported through the Keith and Win Shantz Endowment.

Top University for Innovation
The University of Waterloo is one of the leading comprehensive universities in the country and has been recognized by Maclean’s magazine as #1 one in Canada for most innovative university, #2 for best overall university, and #3 for highest quality (Maclean’s 2023 university rankings).

The application deadline for our MFA program is February 1, 2024.