Nestled on the serene cultural paradise of Saadiyat Island, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) features a campus that blends modern and traditional architecture. This unique design reflects the university’s cosmopolitan identity, combining roots in Abu Dhabi, inspiration from New York, and a global outlook. You can see this international spirit in its diverse student body, representing over 120 countries, as well as in its rigorous academics and innovative research.

"At NYU Abu Dhabi, there are no limitations for your imagination," says Associate Arts Professor Tina Sherwell, Co-Director of the MFA in Art and Media. "You are making art for the future, and you are the artists of the future."

NYUAD takes a unique approach to arts education. It offers students a chance to slow down, reflect, and fully immerse themselves in their artistic practice. For those looking to grow as artists, the two-year Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Art and Media can be your pathway to artistic and intellectual growth in not just one but various disciplines. Although the MFA is specifically for studio artists, you’ll have the option to explore and learn from the faculties of Art History, Creative Writing, Theatre and Film, and New Media Programmes as well. Thought-provoking discussions are a given, adding depth to your research-based practice and evolving you into a skilled artist, critical thinker, and innovator. 

Abu Dhabi’s status as a rising arts hub makes the MFA experience even richer. From painting and sculpture to calligraphy and NFTs, there are always top-tier exhibitions at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, or local establishments like 421 Arts Campus or Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation to fire up fresh ideas.

The MFA programme is about preparing students for the ever-changing world of art. It’s designed to help you develop advanced research skills in contemporary art and theory, encouraging you to ask questions, connect concepts, and present ideas in fresh ways. 

Over two years, you’ll work on a research question that leads to the final Thesis Show. Along the way, you get to meet and learn from many artists and curators through discussions, talks, and workshops.

Just ask Zara Mahmood, Class of 2024. "We've had studio visits from prominent figures like Candice Hopkins, a highly regarded curator, who critiqued our work and provided invaluable feedback."

A wide range of resources and studios at NYUAD provide everything else you need. There are spaces for textiles, ceramics, sculpture, woodwork, metalwork, photography, video, and printmaking. Audio-visual equipment can be borrowed, sound and photography studios can be booked – you’ll have plenty of tools to bring your ideas to life.

As an MFA student, you’ll be part of the local art scene. Professors often spur students to attend art openings, symposiums, and various events – even those that take place abroad. One of the standout features of the MFA programme is the annual international field trip, which has brought students to events the likes of the Venice Biennale, Taipei Biennale, and Tokyo art exhibitions.

On campus, workshops led by field experts cover practical aspects like applying for residencies, submitting budgets, and preparing open calls and portfolios — skills essential for building a successful career in the arts.

More interested in academia? Teaching Assistantships are a great pathway. You get constant support from faculty, including weekly meetings with advisors with valuable guidance on the conceptual and practical aspects of their art practice.

"In addition, students can access a rich diversity of faculty across the Division of the Arts and Humanities and the university to discuss their art practice," says Professor Sherwell. "Faculty also support students in developing their portfolios, their body of work for presentation in their MFA thesis exhibition, and post-MFA opportunities."

“Honestly, who I was before the programme as an artist and who I am now is completely different," says Liane Al Ghusain, a 2023 graduate.

Vaitekunaite credits much of her growth to Professor Geis, who helped build her confidence, and Professor Deepak Unnikrishnan, who refined her research and writing practice.

NYUAD’s impressive facilities complement their guidance. Having a woodshop, as well as ceramic, printmaking, and textile studios, added depth to her practice. A career development centre, writing centre, and graduate office turned that depth into a professional edge. She benefited from workshops, lectures, and assistantship positions that allowed students to earn money while contributing to their personal research as well.

For Vaitekunaite, the opportunity for individual studio visits with artists and curators has been particularly valuable, offering insightful feedback and expanding her professional network. Looking ahead, she plans to apply for artist residencies and teaching positions, knowing that her MFA will provide the foundation for her future in the art world.

An enriching arts education awaits at New York University Abu Dhabi.