About
The M.F.A. in the Maria Manetti Shrem Art Studio Program at UC Davis is a two-year, generously funded, critically engaged graduate program that provides an opportunity for interdisciplinary study in the visual arts. Drawing on the vast resources of a research one university, the program offers M.F.A. students the opportunity to engage in intensive artistic work supported with individual, spacious 24-hour access studios, while interacting with other artists, scholars and STEM professionals across campus.
We are committed to delivering an innovative educational curriculum in preparation for professional public engagement in the arts including arts education, exhibition and curatorial practices, and community-based work. The culmination of two years study is presented in the cross-campus, cross-disciplinary thesis exhibition in the beautiful Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art.
Visiting Artists
The Maria Manetti Shrem Art Studio Program offers three vibrant visiting artist programs including The California Studio, the Thiebaud Lecture, and the Visiting Artist Lectures Series. A select list of recent speakers include:
- Njideka Akunyili Crosby
- Cecilia Alemani
- Xu Bing
- Tania Candiani
- Raúl De Nieves
- Kota Ezawa
- Lynn Hershman Leeson
- Sky Hopinka
- Amelia Jones
- Helen Molesworth
- Wangechi Mutu
- Latoya Ruby Frazier
- Kang Seung Lee
- Hito Steyerl
Financial Support
Our M.F.A. program offers substantial financial support through paid teaching assistant positions and through the Maria Manetti Shrem Art Studio Program and Graduate Studies Fellowships. UC Davis is an academic partner of many professional programs, and granting agencies including The Headlands Center for the Arts, Dedalus Foundation, the Joan Mitchell Foundation, Skowhegan, Provincetown Fine Arts Work Center, the Vermont Studio Center among others.
Commitment
Our educational and creative community is committed to empower diverse perspectives and varied research interests contributing to conversations in social justice, sustainability, public interest and public-engaged scholarship.