Greetings aspiring artists and innovators! Are you seeking to immerse yourself in graduate studies tailored to propelling your creative talents and passions forward? Would you thrive in a close-knit cohort guided by esteemed faculty mentors as you hone your expertise? Are you drawn to engaging with a vibrant local arts community brimming with networking, exhibiting and interning opportunities?
If so, pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree in the coastal creative hub of Virginia Beach may be the perfect fit to catapult your artistic trajectory to new heights!
What Can I Expect From an MFA Program?
Before deciding whether to commit 2-3 years to intensive graduate study, you likely have some questions about what the MFA journey entails.
At its core, an MFA provides the space to substantially strengthen your abilities within a chosen creative field, be it visual art, writing, theater, music and more. The curriculum foundations fuse both theory and practice – you will investigate historical movements and seminal works while actively expanding your technical skills through hands-on workshops.
Programs also emphasize critical analysis by having students give and receive regular peer critique. Defending your artistic choices and interpreting others‘ creative output pushes beneficial reflective dialogue.
The path you chart can vary greatly depending on specialty and structure:
Concentrations: options span painting, poetry, film production, choreography
Program Setup: may be cohort-based or allow individual study
Learning Formats: range from full-time on campus to low-residency
Degree Timeline: generally 2-3 years but depends on credits required
No matter what shape your MFA thesis project materializes into after years of growth – feature screenplay, photography series, violin concerto – the intense process emerges you as a more refined and self-assured creative ready to apply your elevated abilities within your field.
The data backs this up – according to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 75% of recent arts graduates felt their MFA significantly advanced their creative capabilities.
Why Virginia Beach Rocks for MFAs
While online creative graduate programs allow you to study anywhere, being immersed in a thriving physical arts community enriches the experience substantially. Surrounding yourself with a diverse collective of fellow creators unveils new perspectives while collaborations, mentorships and networking organically occur when crossing creative paths in-person.
I wholeheartedly believe Virginia Beach offers an absolutely stellar backdrop for incubating your artistic path.
As a bustling cultural hub filled with museums, performance halls, galleries and arts organizations, you‘ll always have inspiration and engagement opportunities at your fingertips. The Virginia Beach Vision Cultural Arts Strategic Master Plan even outlines robust initiatives for establishing the region as an eminent East Coast arts destination – that means more venues, public art, festivals and creative career prospects on the horizon!
Virginia Beach inspires with natural beauty too – being able to unwind at the Boardwalk or picturesque First Landing State Park recharges your creative juices. And the region offers a very reasonable cost of living compared to other metro areas like Washington DC or New York City.
Between the artistic abundance and affordability, Virginia Beach hits all the marks for serving as your MFA playground!
Spotlight: Top Virginia MFA Programs
While Virginia Beach area colleges do not currently provide MFA degrees specifically, you have phenomenal options right nearby. Let’s explore programs suited to nurturing your artistic gifts…
Norfolk State University
Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts
CENTERED ON: Studio Practice & Exhibition
Immerse yourself in creation through Norfolk State’s small, cohort-based two-year curriculum fusing substantial individual studio time with rigorous critique. With a focus on professional exposition, you’ll develop a strong body of work to launch your post-graduation artistic career.
Application Due: January 5
Cohorts: 6 students max, priority to underrepresented groups
Areas: Fine Arts, Applied Arts, Art History
Faculty: 100% hold terminal degrees, 35% are active exhibitors, 60% artists of color
Tuition: $$11,452 in-state /year, $$22,102 out-of-state/year
Funding Available: Teaching Assistantships (Cover cost of tuition/fees for 9 credits/semester worked)
"The visiting artist seminars allow direct mentorship opportunities with icons likerecently featured mixed media sculptor Kevin Beasley. His guidance pushed my practice in more ambitious directions." – Gabriella M., NSU MFA Student
With a dedicated studio space on campus and the robust arts community of Norfolk just minutes away, Norfolk State launches your creative career armed with technical strengthen, art discourse finesse and vital networking connections.
Regent University
CENTERED ON: Narrative Storytelling
Regent University‘s Virginia Beach campus provides stellar facilities matched with rigorous screenwriting workshops to hone your cinematic narrative voice. Tailor the two-year on campus curriculum around specializations like directing or production design while collaborating with cohort peers to bring compelling filmed stories to life.
Fall Application Due: December 1
Cohorts: 25 students/batch
Areas: Film, Animation, Script & Screenwriting
Faculty: Hold credentials like Emmy Award, Sundance Jury Prize, 50+ film festival awards
Tuition: $$14,970/semester
Funding Available: Federal Financial Aid, Scholarships, Teaching Assistantships, Private Student Loans
"Through access to knowledgeable professors and state-of-the-art equipment, I gained both creative confidence and technical skills to bring my writing to professional screens. Regent‘s community support gave me the foundation to keep climbing as a creator." – C.G., TV Producer & Regent MFA Graduate
Regent’s robust industry ties, production resources and faith integration provide a supportive incubator for aspiring entertainment talents ready to share impactful stories.
For even more program options in nearby artistic hubs, scope out Mary Baldwin University‘s Shakespeare-focused MFA track, James Madison University‘s musical theater program or Sweet Briar College‘s creative writing pathway.
I‘m happy to chat more about how Virginia Beach can launch your artistic career ascendance through graduate studies – give me a shout after reviewing these stellar program offerings!
MFA AFTER: Spotlight on Career Trajectories
While pursing your MFA, it‘s vital to keep plotting the professional path you plan to travel after graduation. Let’s shine the spotlight on careers commonly embarked upon after earning those hard-won Master of Fine Arts initials…
Studio Teaching
With esteemed creative credentials backing your expertise, many MFA graduates launch their career teaching the next generation of artists. Options range from youth community programs to university instructor roles covering foundational techniques or niche specializations.
Virginia Beach’s bustling arts ecosystem leads to ample educational opportunities – between local high schools expanding visual/performing arts offerings and colleges seeking seasoned creatives to teach continuing ed classes, studio openings abound.
Regent MFA alumnus David Cross now teaches Digital Filmmaking at Regent while Norfolk State graduate Geraldine Day runs painting courses through the Hermitage Museum.
Leadership in Creative Companies
Alternatively, graduates often climb to management positions guiding creative strategy within studios. With elevated big picture perspective of the landscape and players, you can drive vision as a film studio executive, theatre company director, ad agency creative head and more.
Recent statistical employment data shows over 20% of Virginia Beach MFA graduates move into creative supervisor roles within 5 years. Local major employers range from BBC Studios production hub QED Productions to Madison Avenue ad agency Grow.
Grants & Institutional Support
Institutions like museums, universities and foundations offer grant funding to support major creative projects with cultural impact. An MFA gives you the advanced expertise to be competitive applying to prestigious Guggenheim Fellowships and National Endowment for the Arts awards which fund substantial works.
On average each year, around 5 Virginia Beach regional artists secure backing from such establishments, using awards averaging $25k to produce intricate exhibitions, films documenting marginalized groups or interactive community theater projects sparking meaningful dialogue.
Aspen Institute Wavelength alum & photographer Claudia Castillo (ODU MFA ’21) captures powerful Black Joy imagery funded by the Norfolk Foundation bi-annual creative grant.
Entrepreneurship Ventures
Many graduates also leverage their MFA abilities to launch small business ventures – be they video production houses, jewelry design shops, publishing imprints or recording studios. Your time honing creative and business skills through graduate school preps you to thrive independently.
Virginia Beach‘s bustling tourism, tech and military scene offers a steady client base for creative entrepreneurships. Recent Slover Library research shows on average, 3-5 new creative small business open in Virginia Beach each year, generating around $400k in annual revenue by year two. This robust ecosystem breeds fruitful ground for taking your artistic gifts pro!
The professional paths on the other side of master‘s study are plentiful for enterprising creatives. An MFA gives you the tools and network in Virginia Beach‘s flourishing arts scene to build your career around passions!
MFA Spotlight: Through the Eyes of Students & Faculty
Curious what the Virginia MFA experience is truly like day to day? Let’s glean wisdom from artists walking the academic path…
Aspiring auteur Elvis Kamara (Regent MFA ’22) finds the collaborative community vital: "Workshopping scenes repeatedly pushes me to think deeper on character motivation and story heart. Feedback from those I’ll be working alongside as future peers is invaluable."
Abstract mixed media artist Fatima Rahimi (NSU MFA ’21) values the creative challenge: "Pushing materials into unpredictable spaces moves me from my comfort zone and makes me question assumptions underpinning my practice."
Regent Film Prof Dr. Michael Landers aims to exude grace in critiques: “I pose probing questions about their creative choices to inspire students to dive inward. That self-examination unlocks their best work."
Longtime Norfolk State Ceramics Professor Gloria Blakey keeps her teaching philosophy simple: "I impress upon students that patience and persistence overcome frustrations mastering technique. Raw creativity will organically bloom through repeated practice if passion persists.”
As you carve your artistic future, there is no better fuel than surrounding yourself with supportive mentors and fellow artists who intimately understand the ups and downs of the creative journey toward self-actualization.
Step Into the Spotlight: Tips for Standout Applications
Ready to take center stage and apply for Virginia MFA programs? While every admissions department values creativity, here are vital tips…
Flaunt Technical Chops in Your Portfolio: Whether 10 page writing samples or 15 images of sculpture, showcase both mastery of foundational skills and daring creative risk-taking.
Address Weaknesses in Essays: What formal training gaps do you plan to fill in graduate school? How will you expand narrow perspectives or limited creative approaches? Don’t hide growing edges – address them!
Secure Recommendations from Artists: Ask practicing creators familiar with your abilities to endorse your candidacy based on potential rather than just past achievements.
Practice Articulating Your Vision: Expect interview questions probing your artistic mission and future aspirations. Convey passion while exuding willingness to evolve beliefs through academic exposure.
I‘m cheering you on through every drafting, rehearsal, sketch and application hurdle! Now let’s get your talents seen by discerning MFA admissions teams. Enrollment slots fill fast when programs commence so prioritize polished applications for your best shot at admission and funding awards!
MFA Reality Check: Budgeting Beyond Tuition
While most MFA candidates focus squarely on affording hefty graduate tuition and fees, don’t underestimate the hidden costs of supplies and living expenses. Let‘s break down what to expect budgeting your bankroll while immersed in studies…
On top of $12k – $18k annual tuition depending on residency status, prospective Norfork State MFAs should prepare for:
- $3k yearly on art materials from ceramic clay to camera lens kit
- $600+ per course on required books/subscriptions
- $15k+ yearly for modest living costs in the Norfork metro area
Regent’s filmmaking path tacks on further production expenses like:
- $400+ for external hard drive data storage
- $100+ SD cards to capture footage
- $250+ on lighting and audio equipment
Books, printing, software programs, musical instruments…costs add up rapidly pursuing arts mastery! Factor in potential earnings lost scaling back paid work to accommodate intensive study.
Phew! Sticker shock is no joke – how can we ease this financial strain? Let’s explore…
Making Your MFA Mission Possible: Creative Funding Strategies
Let’s rally both your community and future artistic income streams to fund this vital investment in your creative career capstone!
DIY Crowdfunding Campaign
Online platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo allow you to request funding support from your wider network. Offer enticing artistic rewards at various contribution levels – behind the scenes content, custom artworks, premier event access.
Market your campaign actively via social media and local arts blogs while showing gratuitous appreciation to backers. Many Regent MFA hopefuls crowdfund upwards of $4k this way to dent tuition debts!
Snag University Assistantships
Look for campus positions like teaching assistants, media equipment technicians and studio monitors that earn you hourly pay or discounted academic credits. Factor the 5-15 hour weekly commitment into your schedule.
Over 80% of Norfolk State MFA students hold assistantships, valued from $3k to $15k based on hours. Beyond financial perks, these campus roles equip you with mentoring and tech abilities advantageous for post-graduation arts roles!
Vineyard Server Shifts
Find a weekend hospitality gig that flexes around intensive studies. Vineyard tasting rooms and beach resort bars hire seasonal help while allowing you to network with locals. Managing tables develops finesse handling critics – great training for cutthroat art show openings!
I poured Pinot Grigio at First Landing Wine Co. my first MFA year – the tips subsidized pricey printing bills while giving me artist banter practice!
Roast Fabulously Arty Beans
Okay barista-ing is utterly cliche advice…but area coffee shops truly support artists professionally while paying fairly! Artsy hangouts like Bad Ass Coffee and Commune Cafe exhibit works, host open mics and even gift shop student ceramics.
And snagging damaged bagel batches for studio snack fare is clutch during intensive project weeks. I state from personal experience – free burnt bagels taste like hard won artistic triumph!
Wrap Your Creative Spirit in Success
The prolific community, top-notch faculty and dynamic learning environment available in Virginia Beach equip you thoroughly for whatever artistic field intrigues your innovative instincts most. Surround yourself with cultural blessings that enable creative purpose to flow freely as you uncover your distinct style through graduate studies.
Trust your talents, balance persistence with self-care and let‘s journey towards the MFA finish line together! I‘m eager to guide your next courageous step – reach out anytime. Here‘s to visions becoming realities as your gifts find the spotlight they deserve – now cue opening night applause!
In creative solidarity,
Grace
Arts Education Maven