Functions are open via January 15, 2026, for the College of Arkansas’s Grasp of Arts in Artwork Historical past. Positioned within the Fulbright Faculty of Arts and Sciences College of Artwork, this tuition-free, two-year residency program specializes within the arts of the Americas and is in direct partnership with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Artwork.
Combining tutorial rigor with immersive museum expertise, this accredited program prepares college students for careers in artwork historical past, museums, and cultural establishments. College students interact immediately with artworks via seminars, exhibition growth, and collaborative programs taught by curators and students.
“Our partnership with Crystal Bridges and proximity to different artwork hubs, comparable to Tulsa and St. Louis, plug college students right into a vibrant and rising arts ecosystem,” stated Jennifer Greenhill, inaugural graduate director of the MA program and endowed professor of American artwork. “Pupil analysis, exhibition tasks, and neighborhood initiatives have targeted on telling new tales about ignored artwork practices and understudied makers, altering the form of the sphere in each delicate and impactful methods.”
The curriculum is organized round themes important to understanding the humanities of the Americas and the social influence of artistic apply, together with constructions and techniques, identification and neighborhood, surroundings, heritage, energy, and circulation. College students achieve real-world expertise via built-in internships and collaborative tasks, typically contributing to exhibitions and initiatives earlier than commencement. Internship placements embody Crystal Bridges, Artwork Bridges, and the Virginia Museum of Fantastic Arts, amongst different regional and nationwide organizations.
“Our MA program prepares college students for superior research on the doctoral degree, but additionally for careers in museums and humanities organizations,” stated John Blakinger, program director of artwork historical past and endowed affiliate professor of latest artwork. “We problem college students to reimagine what artwork historical past may be at the moment.”
Current graduate Ibby Ouweleen accomplished an internship on the Artwork Bridges Basis in Bentonville, Arkansas, throughout their time as a pupil. They informed Hyperallergic, “I helped develop two displays whereas researching about new acquisitions, like Rashid Johnson’s Untitled Escape Collage.” A type of exhibitions opened final fall, marking Ouweleen’s first curatorial byline. They have been employed as a full-time curatorial affiliate for Artwork Bridges upon graduating from this system.
Journey is a core element of the curriculum. College students take part in faculty-led programs in locations comparable to Barcelona, Madrid, and places throughout Ghana, together with Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale. The 2027 lineup contains Mexico Metropolis and cities throughout Alabama. Funding for journey, convention participation, and unbiased analysis is offered to all admitted college students.
Alumnus Alex Betz stated this system’s sturdy funding allowed him to focus totally on his research. “With the ability to dedicate myself fully to following my curiosities and tutorial passions with out concern of constructing ends meet has been a present past measure.”
Due to a transformational reward from the Walton Household Charitable Assist Basis, all admitted college students obtain funding assist for the two-year MA program.
Functions are reside now on this system’s SlideRoom web page till January 15, 2026.
To study extra, go to artwork.uark.edu.
