**I just got this question from a reader and although I normally don't deal with MFA issues, I thought I'd post it because it's a common question that keeps popping up in my email box:
Q: Dear Mira,
Do you know of low-residency MFA programs (poetry) that offer financial aid in the form of grants, not simply loans? Or can you point me to a resource that lists these? I can't imagine there are very many such programs. I've done some searching, but "financial aid" usually seems to focus on loans, and I can't go into more debt, so I'm looking for some balance of loans and grants, if I am to pursue an MFA. I live in western MA, and something near here would be especially good, but a low cost, quality program is my priority.
A: That's a tough question, one I had to research for myself a few years back when I was applying for MFA programs in fiction. I opted out of the low-residency system because when I was looking, the programs I was interested in didn't offer funding at the time (although some might now...I'm not sure). However, the Warren Wilson program now offers some scholarship funding so others might too. You need to pick the places you are interested in and just see what they offer. Since you are in Western, MA, if it is possible for you to do a full MFA Program, you have one of the best in the country at Umass Amherst (where I went to) and they give funding via teaching fellowships, internships at literary journals, etc. For info on both low-residency and traditional MFA programs, the best site I have found is a blog: http://creative-writing-mfa-handbook.blogspot.com. There's a link regarding funding and many other helpful links. Sorry I don't know enough about this subject but if anyone else out there does, please comment below! And check out the creative-writing-mfa-handbook blog. It's excellent! And good luck!
Best Wishes, Mira
***BTW: (For those of you who do not know what a low-residency program is, it is an MFA program for working adults who cannot go to grad. school on a daily basis. You attend intensive workshops, lectures, and so on, for ten days twice a year for two to three years and send your manuscript you are working on (or images from your art portfolio) about every three weeks to your teacher/mentor for feedback. There are programs like this all over. A couple of the most famous ones are Warren Wilson in Asheville, North Carolina, and Bennington in Vermont. For more information on MFA Programs, here is a great blog I just came across: http://creative-writing-mfa-handbook.blogspot.com (and for specific low residency info: http://creative-writing-mfa-handbook.blogspot.com/2006/03/from-low-residency-queen.html).
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10 comments:
Saint Mira. (Are you Catholic? I don't think we can cannonize you otherwise. Then again, I haven't looked at the rule book in quite a while.) ;j
Well, actually, I was thinking rather than sainthood I'd like to acquire super powers and then I could take over the world. I just like the costumes really....especially Cat Woman's.
I would recommend Washington University in St. Louis, which as both Carl Philips and a very generous support package for MFA students that includes a stipend (or used to, at least). I went BU and with a combination of teaching and an Agni internship, actually made some money. So it certainly is possible to do withour loans.
Mira--thanks for making me aware of your blog; the Fulbright info is especially helpful. I heard you read last night at KGB--a friend of mine is in the anthology--and was really affected by your piece.
Thanks for your input! And thanks so much for coming to KGB last night. I appreciate the support. Cheers, Mira
Re MFA programs:
I would recommend Vermont College of Fine Arts, a pioneering and highly respected low-residency program in Montpelier, VT. VCFA offers MFA degrees in Writing, including poetry, Writing for Children and Young Adults; and Visual Arts.
Thanks for your commment Linda. I've heard that is a great program too. Mira
Mira,
I'm going to VT College of Fine Art for the Visual Arts MFA program beginning this August. I too am looking for a combination of scholarships, grants, and loans. The college is working with me and I'm looking at the Foundation Center. There are so many places to look into to find the right match. Any leads would be appreciated.
All best, Molly Heron
Hi Molly,
Now that the economic crunch is in full swing, I am getting more an more requests from artists/writers who are trying to find funding for grad. school. So this is my next big area to look into. I'll be spending a lot of time later this summer sniffing around so keep checking back. I'll probably do an article about this topic down the road too. In the meantime, you should check out the blog I mention above. (http://creative-writing-mfa-handbook.blogspot.com). She's done a lot of research on this subject. Congrats getting into the program by the way! Mira
Sorry for my ignorance but what is a MFA? I an looking for a grant to stay home and finish my novel. I am 65 going on 30.
An MFA is a Masters of Fine Arts.
I'm assuming by asking that question about grants that you have some kind of publishing record (and not with a self-published project, i.e. vanity press). There are lots of grants for writers but only those with a track record, i.e. having published in literary journals, books, etc. There is only one grant that I know of foor nonpublished writers and I posted it this past week.Good luck...hope that helps a little! Mira
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