Since its beginning, an overriding principle of the Master of Fine Arts program in Fine Arts has centered on the compelling notion that this program must do more than refine its students' technical skills. A Master of Fine Arts degree must mean that students who hold it have achieved something beyond the ability to produce work of technical merit. At the School of Visual Arts, although we stress proficiency and professionalism, our program places an even stronger emphasis on the development of an independent sense of self, a realization of the individual creative spirit and promise. Students are encouraged to examine rigorously their philosophical and cultural preconceptions so that they can explore and experiment not only with their artistic expression but also with their intellect. While we realize that some might view such goals as unattainable, we aspire to them because they represent the standards necessary for our MFA program and because we believe that our students can achieve them. We feel our goals are attainable, first and foremost, thanks to our distinguished faculty. SVA has long prided itself on its ability to attract to the faculty internationally renowned artists. Its members are among the leaders of the art world and their works are included in the most prestigious public and private collections. In many art institutions, instructors of reputation are nominal presences, whereas at SVA these men and women do the teaching and are solid presences. Through regular visits to the students' assigned studio space a close rapport between faculty and students develops, embodying both direct and intense supervision by the teacher and the independence necessary for self-realization by the student. No matter how intense the rapport between faculty and students, SVA does not advocate the imposition of a particular style or aesthetic adherence. Instead, we encourage stylistic pluralism and support a diversity of artistic attitudes. Students do not feel any kind of pressure to follow an ordained mode of visual expression but are free to develop along any aesthetic or stylistic course they choose. Moreover, these goals are attainable because SVA accepts only those students who, at the outset, reveal a promise of achievement and who, as MFA candidates, manifest growth of their artistic expression and sensibility. Students who complete the MFA degree are prepared to function more effectively in the art world - finding employment, securing exhibitions, winning grants and establishing a reputation of their own. Lastly, we feel these goals are attainable because SVA is in the heart of New York City, the international center of the art world. The dynamic immediacy of the metropolitan cultural life provides an artistic variety and richness that no other city can offer. With this vision - and with a small group of students and faculty who share it - we bring what many others perceive as unattainable within reach. David L. Shirey, chair
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