News Summary
The University of New Orleans is considering closing its Masters of Fine Arts program in visual arts due to declining enrollment. The decision has triggered unrest among faculty, students, and alumni, who assert that the program is vital for the local arts community. Concerns also surround potential financial implications and access to affordable education for aspiring artists. As evaluations continue, the Board of Regents examines completion rates, while faculty draft proposals to advocate for the program’s future within New Orleans’ cultural landscape.
New Orleans – The University of New Orleans (UNO) is considering phasing out its Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) program in visual arts due to declining enrollment numbers. This potential closure is causing significant unrest within the arts community, prompting faculty, current students, and alumni to speak out against the decision. As of now, current students have been assured that they can complete their degrees, but several incoming students for the fall have had their admission offers rescinded.
Provost Darrell Kruger has stated that the university is currently assessing the “long-term viability” of the program amid ongoing financial challenges, which include staff layoffs and building closures. The MFA in visual arts represents the only public program of its kind in New Orleans, while Tulane University’s similar program requires considerably higher tuition, which may limit accessibility for aspiring artists from less privileged backgrounds.
The backlash from the arts community has been palpable, with an online petition garnering hundreds of signatures in support of the program. Many are concerned that the closure would restrict access to affordable MFA training, particularly for local residents who cannot afford more expensive programs elsewhere. Alumni and current students have emphasized the vital community and mentorship opportunities offered by the program, which they argue is culturally significant to the city of New Orleans.
Students currently enrolled in the program, like Matt Beshears, have expressed fears about the implications of closing the program on the local arts scene, arguing that it is deeply intertwined with the culture and art galleries in New Orleans. The off-campus gallery on St. Claude Avenue, which showcases work from graduating students, is seen as a critical link between UNO and the local arts community. This exposure is especially important for students seeking to establish themselves in the competitive art field.
Concerns about a potential merger of UNO’s program with Louisiana State University (LSU) have also surfaced. Students, such as first-year MFA candidate Garrett Richardson, worry that such a move could make the program less accessible for local students. The MFA program has encountered challenges in the past, yet it has previously defended its relevance and contributions during reviews. However, faculty members were not included in the current assessment, leading to frustration among those who believe that the program serves an essential purpose for the community.
Additionally, the Board of Regents is examining low completion rates of the program, which have been highlighted multiple times in the past. Faculty members are currently in the process of drafting a new proposal to address concerns regarding the program, with a set deadline for submission on May 16. Provost Kruger has acknowledged the contributions of the MFA program but indicated that decisions regarding its future will be made based on UNO’s broader academic mission and resource management needs.
Faculty have argued that closing the MFA program would not lead to significant financial savings, as graduate students typically teach undergraduate courses in exchange for tuition waivers. They have pointed to a history of underfunding within the art department, illustrating the point with anecdotes about recurring raccoon visits to the facilities. There is a unified sentiment among the faculty and students that losing the MFA program would diminish UNO’s significance within New Orleans’ rich cultural landscape.
The ongoing transition for oversight potentially to LSU adds further uncertainty to the future of UNO’s existing programs, including the MFA in visual arts. With the impact of this decision echoing beyond the university itself, the fate of the MFA program hangs in the balance.
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Additional Resources
- NOLA: UNO MFA Program End
- Wikipedia: Master of Fine Arts
- The Advocate: UNO Workshop Anthology
- Google Search: UNO MFA program
- NOLA: UNO Gallery Exhibition
- Google Scholar: UNO MFA program
- Biz New Orleans: Nocca Foundation Board Members
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Visual Arts
