1. Q: Where will people stay and how much will this cost?

A. The Fine Arts Work Center (FAWC) has long-standing relationships with several bed and breakfasts and hotels within a few minutes walk. FAWC will provide an up-to-date listing of accommodations and will provide assistance in securing housing. You can call the FAWC office at 508-487-9960 or email them at general@fawc.org or visit www.provincetown.com to get exact quotes.

2. Q: How much is the tuition and what does it cover?

A. Tuition for the 2005/6 academic year is $16,500 and covers the cost of all course-related expenses, including the tuition and fees for all courses in Provincetown and off-site interactions including on-line courses and interactions with mentors. Students may be charged an additional lab fee if they make extensive use of the FAWC darkroom or printmaking facility. The cost of tuition does not cover room and board.

3. Q: How are mentors selected?

A. Mentors can be selected from a list maintained at the Office of Graduate and Continuing Education at MassArt. Alternately, students may propose to work with a mentor not on this list. To propose a mentor, a student must have the prospective mentor contact the Office of Graduate and Continuing Education at MassArt in order to receive a Mentor Application Form. The proposed mentor must fill out and submit this form and a resume to be considered. All mentors should possess experience in working with advanced undergraduate or graduate students and be conversant with the issues that a student is addressing. In most cases, students will work with several off-site mentors during the four non-residency sessions.

4. Q: Who will issue the degree?

A. Massachusetts College of Art will issue the Master of Fine Arts degree. MassArt is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

5. Q: How do I apply to this program?

A. Visit the MassArt web-site at www.massart.edu and connect to the admissions site where an application can be downloaded. You also can call (617-879-7222) or visit the Boston MassArt campus Admissions Office to get an application.

6. Q: What should my portfolio contain?

A. The portfolio should contain a series of works that document a sustained investigation of a core set of visual issues. Work from assorted media that investigate related concerns can be included.

7. Q: Where do I send my application and when will I receive word concerning acceptance?

A. All application materials should be sent to the Admissions Office at MassArt. A preliminary screening will lead to the selection of a group of finalists who will be interviewed in-person or over the phone. All candidates should receive notification of whether or not they are accepted in early May.

8. Q: Are applicants required to have received an undergraduate degree in the arts?

A. No. While all applicants must possess a completed undergraduate degree, it is not necessary that they major in the arts. It is expected that many candidates will have pursued a wide array of interests and assorted career paths.

9. Q: Will I be able to use MassArt's Boston facilities during this program.

A. No. The only facility used for this program is the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown during the residency sessions in September and May.

10. Q: What facilities will I have access to at the Fine Arts Work Center (FAWC)?

A. Each student will have share a partitioned two-person studio with a table and chairs that are well-lighted and have high-ceilings. In addition, students will be able to use the printmaking and photography studio and basic woodshop at FAWC. A user fee may be assessed for extensive use of these facilities. In addition, there is a computer lab where students can use the internet, a lounge area, a gallery, and large conference/critique room.

11.Q: Is it possible to tour the facilities in Provincetown?

A. Yes. Please contact Mary Alice Johnston, the Visual Arts Coordinator at FAWC.

12. Q: Are there library facilities available?

A. The Provincetown Public Library is within two blocks of FAWC, and the Work Center has a small collection of its own.

13. Q: How will the non-residency critical studies courses work?

A. These courses will be taught by critical studies faculty who have experience with teaching on-line course. Synchronous and asynchronous interactions will take place so that students can interact with members of their cohort even while they are off-site. Students must have home use of a computer that can access the internet and download image and text files.

14. Q: How do I get to Provincetown and will I need transportation while in residence? How do I get supplies?

A. You can reach P-town by boat, plane, bus, or car. The close proximity of lodging, restaurants, food and other stores means that a car is not necessary. Art and other supplies can be shipped to P-town, and Conwell Lumber or Land's End Marine will deliver wood and other necessities. Most students will find it easiest to have new supplies shipped by major art supply stores prior to their arrival c/o the Fine Arts Work Center, 24 Pearl Street, Provincetown, MA 02657.

15. Q: Should I bring recent work or projects that I am working on to the FAWC?

A. Yes, when the program begins, students should make arrangements to ship recent and ongoing work to FAWC. We advise students to roll stretched canvases and to reassemble these once they arrive in P-town. Please allow adequate time for them to arrive at least a week before the program begins. Ship these items c/o the Fine Arts Work Center.

16. Q: Where can I access more information concerning Provincetown?

A. Visit Provincetown.com for extensive information concerning lodging, places to eat, and the local art scene.

17. Q: When does the program start in September 2005? And when should I arrive?

A. Students should arrive by Tuesday, Sept. 6, and be ready to begin classes the next day. The program encourages students to arrive a few days early to orient themselves to the P-town area - especially if they intend to work outside. The final class meeting is on September 27 with students expected to vacate their studios on September 28.

18. Q: What is the weather like in September and May? Will I be able to work outside?

A. September and May are temperate months when it is warm and suitable to be working outside. The average high and low temperatures are 72F and 60F in September and 62F and 48F in May. There is a 14% chance of precipitation in September and a 28% chance in May.

19. Q: Are pets, children, or visitors allowed?

A. Pets and children are not allowed, and visitors are discouraged. If you want friends or relatives to visit, please do so before or after the residency session. (Early October or June are ideal and uncrowded times when you can explore the outer Cape on foot, bike, or by car.) It is expected that students will work on weekdays and weekends during the residency program in order to maximize the feedback they receive.

20. Q: Who are the faculty and visiting artists?

A. Jim Peters and Debra Balken will conduct the Major Studio and Graduate Seminar (respectively) in September '05. Joel Janowitz and Mira Schor will succeed them in May '06. Some of the visiting artists who will be presenting their work and interacting with students include Michael Mazur, Joan Snyder, Gregory Amenoff, and Sheila Pepe. With the exception of Debra Balken, these artists have reproductions of their work included in the program brochure.