Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts

The Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts (IDSVA) is a pioneering private graduate school, founded in 2006, dedicated to nurturing a new generation of "artist-philosophers." Born from the vision of George Smith, former academic dean at the Maine College of Art, IDSVA addresses what Smith identified as a gap in traditional Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs, which often fall short in fostering the critical thinking, research, and writing skills increasingly vital for contemporary art practice.

IDSVA's innovative program is uniquely tailored for visual artists who seek an advanced academic credential beyond the MFA. Its core premise is a direct recognition of the MFA as a scholarly credential, allowing artists to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) without needing an additional master's degree in philosophy. This commitment to integrating artistic practice with rigorous philosophical inquiry positions IDSVA at the forefront of interdisciplinary arts education, preparing artists to engage with the world through both their creative work and their intellectual contributions.

The student experience at IDSVA is as unconventional as its academic model. Operating "without a campus," the institution strategically invests its resources entirely in faculty, cutting-edge online learning, and immersive travel experiences. Students engage in much of their coursework remotely, complemented by essential international residencies held in diverse locations across North America, Europe, and North Africa. This global, flexible approach ensures a rich and accessible learning environment for artist-scholars worldwide.