UC Davis Launches Maria Manetti Shrem Art Studio MFA Program
A prestigious new graduate program offering significant funding and professional artistic development opportunities.
1Significant Endowment Funding
The Maria Manetti Shrem Art Studio MFA program at UC Davis is bolstered by a 14 million dollar endowment. This financial support provides incoming graduate students with fellowships, awards, and paid teaching assistant positions. These resources aim to reduce the financial burden of advanced artistic training while fostering a professional environment.
2Interdisciplinary Research Focus
As a research university, UC Davis integrates intensive artistic practice with interdisciplinary academic study. Students collaborate with scholars and artists across various campus departments to expand their creative scope. This unique structure allows MFA candidates to engage in rigorous research while developing their individual artistic voices within a supportive academic community.
3Professional Studio Facilities
The program provides students with spacious private studios designed to facilitate dedicated creative work. These facilities are located within a vibrant community that encourages peer collaboration and artistic experimentation. By offering dedicated physical space, the university ensures that students have the necessary environment to thrive during their two-year academic tenure.
4Distinguished Visiting Artists
Students gain direct exposure to global art leaders through three distinct lecture series: The California Studio, the Betty Jean and Wayne Thiebaud Lecture, and the Visiting Artist Lectures Series. Recent speakers include prominent figures like Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Cecilia Alemani, and Xu Bing, providing students with critical insights into contemporary professional art practices.
5Curatorial and Exhibition Training
The curriculum emphasizes professional public engagement, covering areas such as arts education, curatorial practices, and community-based work. The two-year program culminates in a final thesis exhibition hosted at the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art. This experience prepares graduates for successful careers in the competitive contemporary art world.
6Prestigious Institutional Partnerships
UC Davis maintains strategic partnerships with renowned organizations, including the Headlands Center for the Arts and the Dedalus Foundation. Students also benefit from connections to the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture and the Tropical Lab residency in Singapore. These affiliations offer students valuable networking opportunities and access to international professional art networks.
7Upcoming Admissions Timeline
Prospective students are invited to attend a virtual open house scheduled for 12pm PST on Friday, December 4, 2026. This session offers detailed information regarding the application process and program expectations. Interested candidates must submit their formal applications through the official university website by the final deadline of January 5, 2027.
8Strategic Career Preparation
The program is specifically designed to transition artists into professional roles within the public and private sectors. By combining financial support, expert mentorship, and institutional partnerships, UC Davis creates a comprehensive pathway for emerging artists. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are well-equipped for the complexities of modern artistic and curatorial careers.
Original article: Hyperallergic — UC Davis Launches Maria Manetti Shrem Art Studio MFA Program