Overview

The creative process mostly starts with a curious research question and quite often ends with a materialised conclusion.
But what’s actually happening in between processes? When, why and how are decisions made when going from research into the materialisation of concepts? Does an idea really need materials? Do materials really want to become part of your work? In fact, the most important question is: Do materials really have a voice in artistic practices? Our focus lies on materials as the protagonists of your stories.

We would like to unveil the treasures and challenges of the ever changing Northern landscape, focusing on materials as a starting point for a journey into your artistic practice both in Art and Design contexts.

Why choose this programme?

MAPs adopts a holistic approach that goes beyond the surface of materials. We believe in exploring tangible, aesthetic, and practical properties of materials, while also considering their historical, cultural, political and ecological entanglements. Through practical exploration and engaging with relevant discourses and theory you will gain ecological sensitivity and a deeper understanding of a variety of past, present and future materials.  

We believe in a shared knowledge approach where unique experiences, backgrounds and artistic practices will together create an experimental, open, and collaborative learning environment. You will work with guest lecturers, artists, and experts from a variety of fields, which will broaden your understanding of the possibilities of materials and their implementation in your artistic practice. 

About this programme

Material research

MAPs is closely connected to the local landscape, culture, and crafts in the North of the Netherlands; a hands-on environment to experiment with local materials, traditions, crafts and knowledge. In addition to exploring local perspectives, it also involves research into the impact of global processes and trends concerning materials and connected traditions, crafts, and knowledge.   

The active research focus on local materials in relation to global impact will expand your understanding of circular, future-proof materials within your own art and design practice. You are challenged, for example, to set up a hybrid artistic practice in a local community, develop circular materials or engage in mapping material sources and possible new connections with sustainable production chains.

Material archiving

Together with fellow students and other stakeholders you will also contribute to a dynamic archive of materials, both physical as well as digital. The dynamic archive is designed to be an active, evolving resource, that will be continually updated, and improved. The digital archive will give insight into making processes, collaborations, material developments and experiments.  

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.