MFA Body, Theory and Poetics of the Performative

The Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design invites students to apply for admission for the Master of Fine Arts programme Body, Theory and Poetics of the Performative.

The two-year MFA programme Body, Theory and Poetics of the Performative is dedicated to all people who are interested in the performative—artists, curators, scenographers, scientists… We welcome heterogeneous backgrounds and artistic approaches, as they enrich our inclusive understanding of performance. Artists with a Bachelor’s degree can apply as well as curators, scenographers or researchers and other people with an interest in performance. However, if your previous studies were completed in another field than Fine Arts, you must provide evidence of your artistic experience in your application.

The MFA is led by Prof. Dr. Cristina Gómez Barrio and Prof. Wolfgang Mayer of the artist collective discoteca flaming star. At the centre of the programme is the body: it is understood as a site of action, verbalization, and resistance. The students’ individual practice takes place within collective work processes. The core of the training is the artistic search of each participant, always intertwined with theory; it includes jointly developed artistic formats, performances, books, graphic representations, seminars, exhibitions and performances. Furthermore, renowned instructors teach courses on audio, video, movement, light and stage, articulation and writing, so that students can further develop their artistic tools and are able to present their own work at a professional level. Collective forms of critique and individual discussions complement the teaching programme. At the end of each semester, the artistic process is presented and discussed in a final oral examination. Students have exclusive access to the well-equipped rehearsal stage of a historic theatre (in the winter term) as well as a spacious movement room and an audio and video lab (year-round). More info here.

Please note: German language skills at B2 level are required for the enrolment into the programme. Additional information about the conditions of admission, application procedure and dates can be found on our website.

Application period: All application materials must be handed in between June 3 and June 14, 2024, noon (CET), cut-off deadline. Please register and apply here (possible from the start of application deadline).

Start of the programme: October 2024.

For questions about the admission process, please contact the Office of Student Affairs. For questions about the programme, please contact Sabine Palm.

The Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design (ABK Stuttgart) provides excellent study and research opportunities to around 900 students and brings together a diverse range of creative practices under one roof. In addition to students’ individual artistic development, ABK promotes transdisciplinarity, diversity and cultural openmindedness. ABK has been nurturing the artistic and creative ambitions of its students and staff for over 250 years. The Academy is situated next to the Weissenhofsiedlung, world famous for its Bauhaus buildings.