On-going Open Day programme:

• ongoing RADIO AAHAA
• 15:00–19:00 Finefolks

FINE ARTS

The Fine Arts Department retains a focus on autonomy and making, while addressing the social and economic roles of art production. During the Fine Arts Master’s, our students become more of themselves, stronger in who they are and what position they intend to take on in society. They reflect on their own practice, and what it might mean on a grander scale, especially in relation to understanding one’s position in the world. The department helps to create and test a student’s individual parameters, helping them to gauge the effect of their work, and challenging them to be able to critically support a piece in the context of its exhibition.

At the core of the programme are the consistent conversations held with the main tutors throughout the two-year period. Alongside these regular dialogues, guest tutors are invited for seminars and tutorials both in the first and second year. Studio time thus alternates with an extensive series of workshops, seminars, and one-off events that also steer the student to less familiar areas within their practice. In addition to these guests and activities, an annual group exhibition is held early on in the year and research excursions abroad take place twice annually. These trips are subdivided in focus and aim: for second-year students, an intense winter thesis writing and reflection period is organized abroad (in the past to the Arctic Circle, The Isle of Lewis, and Delphi), while the first years partake in a shorter programmed excursion outside of the Netherlands. All students join in a department-wide spring research trip (in the past to Glasgow, Athens, Naples, and Sharjah).

Several times a year, students come together with staff and tutors to discuss common interests that have emerged and can be addressed with the help of experts who, following these sessions, are invited accordingly. Student-led activities, such as group crits, film nights, and Monday lunches are encouraged, while internal platforms are in place to promote small-scale try-outs and experimentation in presentation. In short, the Sandberg Instituut functions as a base for the Fine Arts students, while encouraging participants to develop and test their practice both within and beyond the school.

Students

Candidates should be motivated to question their existing practice. An extreme curiosity is essential, as well as a willingness to enter into deep conversation with tutors and peers. Perhaps most crucially, students need to be able to work and think independently—and not be afraid to critically reflect on their work. Prospective students will be evaluated on their motivation, previous experience, and portfolio. The admissions committee will focus on the authenticity, artistry, and autonomous visual quality of the work presented.