Call for applications: BxNU Master of Fine Art

The BxNU Master of Fine Art (MFA) at Northumbria University has been developed in partnership with BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead. The two-year course offers ambitious artists the opportunity to participate in a unique postgraduate degree programme, centred on the vibrant and dynamic studio culture of the BxNU Institute of Contemporary Art at BALTIC 39 in Newcastle’s city centre.

The BxNU Institute, led by BALTIC Professor Andrea Phillips, is a base for a network of internationally active artists, academics and curators who provide world-class teaching and mentorship in contemporary art practice and research. The BxNU MFA course sits within the wider BALTIC 39 studio culture of postgraduate research, with regular opportunities to engage with practice-based PhD researchers also resident at BALTIC 39. The BxNU MFA provides students with exceptional opportunities to develop their art practice in this vibrant context, supported by outstanding exhibition facilities and dedicated studio spaces.

The purpose-designed studio spaces at BALTIC 39 are the focal point of the course where students are supported to develop their individual practice, through experimentation and critical reflection. The Institute endorses a multi-disciplinary approach to fine art and welcome all forms of artistic practice.

The MFA course benefits from its direct proximity to BALTIC’s stunning 300-square-metre, top-floor galleries. These spaces are managed and programmed by BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art as a Project Space where artists and guest curators have the freedom to experiment and stretch the boundaries of critical art practice. The Project Space also hosts the BxNU MFA graduating exhibition. As an MFA student you will take advantage of talks and symposia organised by the BxNU Institute and participate in collaborative events like the innovative Peer to Peer and RESPOND programmes, all of which embody the spirit of openness and exchange at BALTIC 39.

Situated on the banks of the River Tyne and in close proximity to BALTIC 39 is the internationally renowned BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. BALTIC has welcomed over 7 million visitors since opening to the public in July 2002. BALTIC is a world leader in the presentation and commissioning of contemporary visual art. Housed in a landmark ex-industrial building, BALTIC consists of 2,600 square metres of art space, making it the UK’s largest dedicated contemporary art institution. BALTIC has gained an international reputation for its commissioning of cutting-edge temporary exhibitions. It has presented the work of over 439 artists from 83 countries in 210 exhibitions to date ranging from acclaimed figures such as Anish Kapoor, Steve McQueen, Antony Gormley, Susan Hiller, Yoko Ono, Ed and Nancy Kienholz, Daniel Buren, Jason Rhoades, Fiona Tan, Elizabeth Price, Susan Philipsz, Rodney Graham and Omar Fast through to emerging artists Jesse Wine, Hajra Waheed, Jack Lavender and Holly Hendry. 

Contact: Dr Sandra Johnston, MFA Course Leader on Sandra.johnston [​at​] northumbria.ac.uk

For full details please visit baltic39.com/mfa