An outdoor panel discussion with a flower-decorated backdrop and airstream trailer.

A locus for creative problem solving, with an emphasis on community.

Program overview

The low-residency MFA-Interdisciplinary arts program offers an alternative to a traditional MFA program, in both structure and philosophy.

While we are a full-time program, we consciously designed the ten-day residencies knowing not everyone can take off for an entire summer or multiple weeks at a time. We know that dedicated, talented, driven artists, and thinkers have children, jobs, or other responsibilities that make it difficult for them to commit to a conventional on-ground MFA program.

Over the course of 2.5 years, the low-residency format combines intensive ten-day residency periods each winter and summer in beautiful Lake Tahoe with full-time work in the student’s home studio throughout the following semesters. A dynamic group of faculty, renowned visiting artists, professional mentors and peers guide you through the process of developing an active and professional practice.

Using all available channels, students engage, critique and explore unfamiliar ideas and cross-disciplinary questions. Personalized mentorship and extensive studio time help students develop the expressive, professional skills necessary to realize their personal visions.

Explore the program

Art gallery with artist working in center and other people watching from the side.

Program structure

Two and a half years and two on-campus residencies. Learn more about how the program is structured to help you balance your life and your art.

A tent, lit from with and surrounded by snow at night.

Fees and application

View program fees, view required application materials, and the steps to apply for the program.

A group of people sit outside in tall grass talking together.

Meet our faculty

Get to know our talented teaching faculty, visiting artists and program administrators.

Join us for exciting artist events

Sep 26

12:00 PM

Community Outreach

Virtual Info Session: Low-Res MFA Interdisciplinary Arts September 26
Oct 05

04:00 PM

Community Outreach

Virtual Info Session: Low-Res MFA Interdisciplinary Arts October 05

The MFA-IA program in the news

Artists stand in lake holding recoding equipment and a camera.

Visual art and music converge in new Lake Tahoe exhibit

Jazz musician and visual artist collaborate on a new exhibit in the Prim Library with a public artist reception on August 1.

Our values

Inclusiveness + Representation, Embodied Place, Creative Problem Solving, Interdisciplinary Practice, Cultural Engagement

The low-res MFA-IA program is committed to creating and sustaining an academic environment in which students, faculty, and staff can study and work in an open atmosphere, unhampered by discrimination or harassment of any kind. The MFA-IA program recognizes the power of language and the dignity and respect that should be afforded to all individuals.