Call for applications

Cranbrook Academy of Art is a dynamic community of architects, artists and designers working together to shape the future of visual and material culture. Ranked as the country’s top graduate-only program in architecture, design and fine art, Cranbrook is a place for students who are looking to leave their MFA program prepared to immediately enter the industry or open their own studio practice. 

At Cranbrook, graduate students and mentors work side by side to develop an individual voice for a lifelong creative practice. Situated on a campus that is a National Historic Landmark, designed by Eliel Saarinen, the remarkable physical setting matches the intellectual and artistic one. At Cranbrook, individual effort creates a shared community that values risk-taking, curiosity and experimentation directed to influence contemporary culture around the world.   

The Academy’s community is comprised of more than 100 graduate students and 12 artists-in-residence working in the disciplines of Architecture, 2D, 3D, and 4D Design, Ceramics, Fiber, Metalsmithing, Painting, Photography, Print Media, and Sculpture. The artists-in-residence serve as attentive mentors and students are active contributors to the intellectual and creative resources of the community.  

An international roster of artists, designers and thinkers are also invited to campus each year, creating an extended international network for each student to draw upon.  

Cranbrook’s significant physical facilities provide students with private studios, supported fabrication and media spaces, a renowned art museum and 300 acres of expansive architecture and landscape design. Our two-year MFA and MArch programs position our graduates for advanced work in art, architecture and design and provide connections that last a lifetime. 

There are no formal classes or set schedules at Cranbrook. Only unlimited studio time and critical discussion of work with your peers and industry leaders. If you feel this is the right environment for you, we welcome your application to join our community. There simply is no other school—no other place—like this.