Overview

​Facing a world that is more and more focused on quick results, profit maximalisation and protocols, the interrelational approach of art is first of all an open-ended way of working, which focuses on processes, instead of products. It also focusses on relations under pressure; the relations between people, between people and nature, people and technology, economical production processes and ecologies etc.

Why choose this programme?

In the iRAP programme, you will develop your own interrelational artistic practices and strategies in order to connect, to create involvement, and to find new possibilities for collaboration or participation. Interrelational art practices arise from different sources such as trauma-work, dance practices, political engagement, processing grief, cooking as comfort and resistance, fascination for materials and anger about climate change. Whether you are trained as a fashion designer, scenographer, film- or theater maker, painter or product designer, your practices are embedded in specific local contexts. 

Our students

In earlier years, our students have worked in a variety of environments: as an artist in the countryside of Friesland, as a scenographer in a church in Haarlem, as a photographer and filmmaker in an LGBTQI+ community in Groningen, or in a Maori village in New Zealand, as a painter in a community center in a deprived area, as a graphic designer in a home for elderly people, as a performer in night life bars in Rome and Berlin, as a painter in a refugee center, as an activist-teacher addressing climate change, as a performer-activist in a newly created nature reserve, and as an artist in joint cooking sessions with members of the Syrian diaspora in different places in Europe.  

These projects have addressed social or political inequality, the implosion of ecological systems, loneliness, the colonising and patriarchal powers of consumer society amusement, the disastrous effects of the fashion industry, and many more contemporary challenges that dominate the public spaces of Europe and beyond.  

Their works are fueled by the small fires of hope - in the words of Paolo Pasolini, they care for the “survival of the fireflies”. 

About this programme

• Year 1 Highlights

The first year of this study programme is mostly about exploring your chosen field. You will carry out your own projects in social or non-artistic contexts. This will enable you to improve your knowledge and skills, get to know the international field of practice, forge new concepts and discover avenues of artistic research. During your first year you will gradually start to focus on the area you want to concentrate on in your second year. Gathering ideas, enhancing your skills and gaining new knowledge will help you develop and refine the research plan that you will carry out in the second year which also forms the basis for your master’s thesis. At the end of your first year your work will be assessed to determine whether you are ready to start the second year.

• Year 2 Highlights

At the start of your second year you will begin to work on your graduation project and thesis. Most of your time will be devoted to working on this project. You will still attend classes, but fewer than in your first year. Supervisors will advise, guide and stimulate your progress. Your goal in this year is to complete your research project and write your master’s thesis. There will be plenty of opportunities throughout the year to share what you have learned and experienced with others during group sessions, discussions and presentations. Depending on your needs, one or more guest lecturers may also be asked to contribute to the supervision of your research project. Second year students also take part in a series of public dialogues to discuss their work with guest lecturers and others, which will help you to enhance your work and take it to the next level.

Admission procedure

• Step 1: Enrol in Studielink

To enrol in this master's degree programme, submit an enrolment application through Studielink (studielink.nl). On the enrolment form, under the master's programme, select 'Master of Arts in Fine Art and Design' and then either MADtech, Painting, iRAP or MAPs. You will receive by email a login link and details for the 'Hanze Apply' and details of the documents we require from you.

• Step 2: Hanze Apply

Answer the questions and upload the requested documents: Under "Entrance Minerva" you have to upload the portfolio and other requested documents. The application form and additional information can also be found in the Hanze Apply. Under "International students" you have to upload your passport/ID card, diploma, etc. After everything has been filled out and uploaded, click on the "submit application" button.

• Step 3: Meeting

After we have received your application form and portfolio, the admissions committee will criticize your application documents and decide whether to invite you for a meeting with them. If you live abroad and cannot come to Groningen for this, we can conduct the interview by Microsoft Teams.