Developments in the cultural sector and creative industry are often associated with international developments. It is self-evident that if you are considering a future as a visual artist, designer or performer that you need to develop your talent in an international context. This option is available to you at the School of Fine Arts, Design & Pop Culture MINERVA, where you can pursue English language Bachelor and Master's programmes in Fine Arts (BA), and Painting, Interactive Media and Environments and Scenography (MA) or a minor in International Pop Culture. The Minerva Academy also offers Bachelor programmes in Dutch, including Fine Art, Design, Fine Art and Design in Education, Music and Design (Pop Culture).
The Minerva Academy will provide a basis for your future as an artist and cultural entrepreneur in the creative industry. We have moved beyond craftsmanship alone: Your ideas and drive for innovation are just as important. You are the one who's able to visualise what others struggle to give expression to. You shake people awake using unexpected approaches, by linking up unusual combinations and exploring new solutions. You're no longer someone just designing their own work, you're shaping the environment.
Art and culture are increasingly being associated with economic growth, civic development and sustainable innovation. Creative people and artists are playing a role in this process by promoting change developing new concepts for and solutions to social issues. It's a role with responsibilities where you are not just refreshing and surprising the world, but actually contributing to changes and improvements.
Do you see yourself taking this on? If you do then the Minerva Academy will provide with an extensive foundation for this role. You'll develop your craftsmanship, your creative spirit, as well as your capacity for conceptual thought. Most of this will be done through practical work in the Academy's studios, where each work station is a lecture hall, and the teachers simply come to you. All of this takes part in Groningen: the undisputed cultural capital of North Netherlands. Groningen is a city with an extensive network of theatres, museums, galleries and creative companies, which you'll have easy access to as a student at the Minerva Academy as our lecturers are often active within these enterprises.
If you are looking to stretch yourself, then we'd like to challenge you to participate in a special honours programme where excellent students collaborate on ambitious projects alongside professionals.
Good luck with your choices!
Dorothea van der Meulen
Dean of the Academy of Visual Arts, Design and Pop Culture, MINERVA