Admissions

Craft Studies is a perfect programme for candidates who: 

• are curious, self-motivated individuals aiming to establish a professional artistic practice, to become a critical craft maker and thinker;
• are ready to take on a high level of independent and disciplined study;
• wish to develop tools for generating and implementing creative ideas, experimenting, and exploring innovative research into materials, processes, and concepts;
• wish to engage in field trips and unconventional settings for gathering and investigating materials; 
• have previous experience and are skilled in one of the craft specialities (not excl. to accessories, blacksmithing, ceramics, fashion, glass, jewellery, textiles); or can demonstrate other relevant qualifications;
• are interested in decolonizing, rethinking and reimagining the discourse; 
• are willing to obtain and communicate critical reflection and contextualization of their artistic/craft research and practice;
• or are interested in further studies and/or academic careers.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Essay – applicant submits an essay in the form of a Case Study. The Case Study should analyze a chosen example(s) (specific design object, a work of art or literature, a visited exhibition, an analysis of personal or cultural experience/event, etc.) reflecting the applicant’s personal interest. The text should provide insight as to why and how the gathered examples convey relevance to the applicant. The essay is submitted digitally, in PDF format, volume 1 A4. Visual material illustrating ideas can be added.

The candidate will be assessed for:

• Written self-expression.
• Analytical skills, clarity of argumentation and presentation of ideas.
• Ability to initiate critical and engaging discussion.
• Awareness of ideas and topics relevant to the field and cross-disciplinary relations.

Material Response – create and contextualize an object, process or intervention based on your own work in relation to a topic chosen amongst Terraforming, Migrated Bodies, Floating Identities or Tool Making. The format for presenting the work is free. If it is a video or audio file, limit the duration to a maximum of 1 minute.

The candidate will be assessed for:

• Implementation and formalization of the task.
• Ingenuity and creative uniqueness.
• The ability to connect contexts and initiate engaging discussion.

Portfolio – is submitted digitally, in PDF format, capacity up to 40 Mb (no more than 10 projects with short descriptions). If the portfolio contains works in video format, they must be presented in the portfolio as a working web link.

The candidate will be assessed for:

• Clarity of the presentation.
• Quality and characteristics of previous work.
• Positioning creative work within the field.
• Ability to analyse and conduct independent work processes. 

The Admissions Committee evaluates the portfolios submitted by the entrants. Passing the portfolio round is a prerequisite for getting to the interview round.

Questionnaire –

1. What are your expectations for the Craft Studies curriculum?

2. Please describe your previous experience in the field of Design & Crafts. How would you like to advance yourself during your studies? 

3. What questions and thematics do you currently see yourself dealing with as part of your thesis research?

4. Who or What inspires you? Explain! 

5. Who would you see as your studio advisor during the first semester amongst faculty members? (find a list on the curriculum webpage)

6. Why did you choose the Estonian Academy of Arts? Where did you get your information about the programme?