Fibres and Materials Practices (MFA)
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Why pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Arts, Fibres and Material Practices?
Textiles have always played a role in social and cultural history, from quotidian uses to labour movements to the first computer. Likewise, any material, whether found or constructed, contains embedded meanings. From a platform of material-based critical inquiry, graduate students in this program investigate, respond, interpret, and expand the field of contemporary fibres.
The MFA in Studio Arts, Fibres and Material Practices concentration, is an inherently interdisciplinary program of study that will allow you to cultivate your individual research focus or conceptual framework. You will be free to draw from traditional textile methods, modern tools and technologies, performance or time-based media, or invent new creative strategies. You will work under the supervision of our acclaimed faculty to thoroughly investigate materiality and form while analyzing issues and ideas relevant to your research.
Our state-of-the-art facilities are divided into three technical areas dedicated to printing and dyeing, paper-making, and structures, as well as a fibres computer lab. You may also choose to engage with researchers at Concordia’s Milieux Institute: Textiles and Materiality Research Cluster. Montreal’s vibrant arts scene also offers opportunities for you to be involved with artist-run centres committed to the medium of fibres as a material or concept.
Since our department is comprised of seven disciplinary programs, you’ll be in the company of students working in film production, intermedia, painting and drawing, photography, print media and sculpture. This dynamic learning environment, as well as the larger university community, will encourage you to consider interdisciplinary approaches as you develop your artwork.
Program Details
A Bachelor of Fine Arts or a Bachelor of Arts with a Fine Arts or Fine Arts and Art History major, or an approved equivalent, from a recognized institution and with at least a B average in the major area is required. Applicants to the Film Production concentration are expected to have a Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Arts degree in cinema or an approved equivalent with at least a B average in the major area. In all cases the students’ undergraduate experience and proficiency must be relevant to the area in which they plan to specialize at the graduate level.
Note: Students with a BFA from Concordia University must wait two (2) years before being considered for admission into the MFA program.
Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.
- Credits. A fully-qualified candidate is required to complete a minimum of 60 credits.
- Courses. Candidates for the degree are normally required to complete a minimum of 24 credits in their studio concentration and 3 credits of DISP 615 Directed Studio Practice; 21 credits from ASEM 620, 641, 642, 643, 644, 645, 646, 651, 652, 653, 654, INTP 660, 661, 662, INDS 670, 671, 672; 9 credits in PROJ 691 Studio Project and 3 credits in PROJ 692 Exhibition or Film Project.
- Studio Project and Exhibition or Film Project. In the third or fourth year and no less than six (6) months following the successful completion of the second year of course work, students may present their studio project and complete the exhibition or film project. Approval by both the student’s advisor and the graduate program director is required prior to the examination. Students are also required to submit documentation of their exhibition or film project to be kept on file in the office of the graduate program director.
Please apply online and see the how-to-guide for application procedures. Visit the department website for application and portfolio requirements.
| DEGREE |
FALL (September) |
WINTER (January) |
SUMMER (May/June) |
| Fibres and Material Practices | MFA | Jan. 20 | n/a | n/a |
During the first two years of the program, students combine seminar courses with independent, supervised studio practice. The third year is devoted to studio practice and production.
- Fibres I-IV
- Directed Studio Practice
- Studio Project
- Exhibition
See the program structure and consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of current courses.
Our graduate students are currently automatically granted a three-credit Teaching Assistantship in their first year of study and a six-credit Assistantship in their second year.
MFA students can apply to teach a select number of undergraduate courses in their third year of study. These positions are awarded on a competitive basis. These opportunities also provide valuable experience for our graduate students, many of whom are interested in pursuing teaching careers.
Employment opportunities also exist as Research Assistants in university and faculty research centres such as the Milieux Insitute for Arts, Culture and Technology or the Milieux Institute: Textiles and Materiality Research Cluster.
Please also consult Concordia’s graduate funding page and Financial Aid and Awards.
Graduate students work in individual studios in the VA and EV buildings and have access to various other research centres. They also have access to a variety of installation spaces, specialized equipment, and the Core Technical Centres.
The Fibres & Material Practices facilities are fully equipped, spacious and located in sunlit studios on the 9th floor of the EV building. You’ll have access to:
- The Structures studio
- The Printing and Dyeing studio
- The Paper-Making studio
- The Fibres computer lab
Read more about our fibres and material practices facilities.
Our alumni find success in a wide range of professional art careers. Many operate independent studios, exhibit and sell their work around the world, participate in artist residencies, and earn significant grants and international awards. Graduates also pursue careers as educators, curators, writers, entrepreneurs, and gallery arts administrators.
