Point Park University Introduces Self-Designed, Low-Residency M.F.A. in Interdisciplinary Arts

Beginning December 2024, Point Park University will offer a self-designed, low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts to help artists and other creative thinkers turn their passions into businesses. The new M.F.A. in Interdisciplinary Arts is one of the few programs of its kind in the country.

“For most artists and creative thinkers, passion about their work alone is not enough," said Kiesha Lalama, M.F.A., managing and artistic director of Point Park's Pittsburgh Playhouse. “Knowledge of fundraising, marketing, social media and other business applications are essential to making any creative endeavor a sustainable reality."

The 2.5 year M.F.A. in Interdisciplinary Arts program pairs students with a full-time faculty member from Point Park’s Conservatory of Performing Arts, Schools of Business, Communication or Education, whose one-on-one mentorship aligns with their academic interest and/or artistic focus.

Each semester brings a new cohort of students to the program.

“A student’s residency will be curated to align with the interests and curiosities of that cohort, making for a meaningful and engaging exchange of ideas and inspiration,” said Lalama.

Unique to this program, students will work with and learn from nonprofit and commercial business professionals to gain the tools necessary to develop their artistic visions as industry-ready pitches, publications and/or projects.

Point Park’s Rowland School of Business will play a key role in the new M.F.A. program.

“Point Park’s national reputation for nurturing exceptional artists and creative thinkers has always been a part of our academic experience,” said Stephen Tanzilli, J.D., dean of the Rowland School of Business. “Regardless of their field of interest or study, we know how to help students connect the professional, creative and academic dots to realize their visions.”

The M.F.A. in Interdisciplinary Arts features:

An in-person learning laboratory study with hands-on professional development in Point Park’s state-of-the-art facilities.
The opportunity to engage in qualitative study while living and working from home. Study and work are communicated through online, email and telephone correspondence.
2.5 years of rigorous study, including a six-day, on-campus residency, one in the winter and one in the summer.

“Point Park University is the perfect confluence for this unique program," said Lalama. "Creative thinkers and artistic entrepreneurs will now have a pathway to realizing their visions and earn a valued M.F.A. degree at the same time."

Point Park University Introduces Self-Designed, Low-Residency M.F.A. in Interdisciplinary Arts Wednesday, March 20, 2024