Opportunities

Launch Programming

With a special emphasis on networking and CV-building, these pivotal funded programs help our MFA students set themselves up for success after graduation. Opportunities range across galleries, residencies, art centers, design agencies, and various non-profits. We also provide helpful resources for crafting applications. Read about all our Launch Programs and see a record of recent recipients.

The Twin Cities

Regional Funding

Minnesota is well known for its abundant funding sources:

• Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grants (can apply as a student, but project cannot be associated with your degree program)
• Silverwood Park Annual Call (can apply as a student)
• Red Eye’s Works-In-Progress Program (non-primary artist can be a student)
• Art(ists) On the Verge (AOV)
• Creative City Challenge
• Jerome Foundation Grants
• Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program
• Metropolitan Regional Arts Council Grants
• McKnight Foundation Grants
• Midway Contemporary Art Visual Arts Fund
• and more (the funding environment in MN is ever-evolving and growing)

Regional Events

No matter your interests, the Twin Cities provide a continuous flow of events every season, including the annual design-themed Insights Lectures, Out There performance series, or Film Independent Spirit Awards at the Walker Art Center, the Twin Cities Independent Comics Expo, Autoptic Festival, Northern Spark Festival, Eyeo Festival, Art-a-Whirl, the Minnesota State Fair, and more.

Professional Practices

Career Development Services

MCAD offers a comprehensive career development office, where you can make an appointment for résumé and cover letter help, or to work on interviewing and networking skills. MCAD also offers the Job and Internship Fair, the Emerging Talent Showcase, and the Annual Art Sale. And as an MCAD alumnus, you’ll have ongoing access to these resources and services, including a variety of support materials like these:

• Studio Visits - How To
• Studio Visits - Online
• Informational Interviews

Professional Practices Workshops

Each semester, we host a series of talks/workshops focused on professional practices (alumni are invited to attend, and we feature alumni as speakers when possible). Topics range widely and are selected based on current student interests and suggestions. For example, we've covered topics such as Fulbright grant applications, how to approach studio visits, teaching applications, and more.

Tours of Local Studios/ Agencies

The Twin Cities is one of the most vibrant and diverse arts communities in the US. Current students can take an MCAD van to visit studies/agencies, and are encouraged to explore alumni spaces. Alumni are also invited to join in on these trips.

Teacher Training and Support

We have a series of classes and experiences to help our MFA students acquire teaching skills that can be applied in a number of different contexts.

Continuing Education Classes

MCAD graduate students (MFA, MASD, MAGWD) students may take one free Continuing Education course each semester on a space-available basis. The course must be taken non-credit. To register, please fill out this form. You will be placed on the course waitlist and contacted within five days of the course start date if there is a spot available. Students will be responsible for paying any required facilities and/or materials fees. Students may be placed on up to two course waitlists per semester. Also, MCAD alumni get to take Continuing Ed courses for $25 per class (space available basis), so you can continuing building your skill set after graduation - email continuing_education@mcad.edu