About the Program—Harrell Fletcher and Jen Delos Reyes

The MFA in Contemporary Art Practice with an emphasis in Art and Social Practice at Portland State University is a program that encourages students to develop and utilize their artistic skills to engage in society. Social practice might appear to be more like sociology, anthropology, social work, journalism, or environmentalism than art, yet it retains the intention of creating significance and appreciation for audiences in a similar way to more conventional art. Students learn about a variety of working artists and non-artists who have engaged in civic activity, and apply their knowledge and abilities to initiate, develop, and complete projects with the public—individuals, groups, and institutions.

The dates of our programs (both low res and in-residence) vary slightly year based on the current PSU academic calendar which is found online here:

http://www.pdx.edu/registration/academic-calendar

The in residence program runs fall/winter/spring.  The low-residency program runs fall/winter/spring and the first 4 week session of summer classes.

Students in discussion with Mark Dion, 2009.