Intermedia Art, Writing and Performance

Intermedia Art, Writing, and Performance at the University of Colorado Boulder offers students a vibrant and interdisciplinary education that combines creativity, critical thinking, and technical skills across multiple artistic domains. This program is designed for students who are passionate about exploring the intersection of visual art, literary expression, performance, and digital media to generate innovative works that engage diverse audiences. The curriculum emphasizes experimentation and the development of a personal artistic voice, providing opportunities to work in collaborative and solo projects within state-of-the-art facilities. Students gain hands-on experience in a variety of mediums, including performance art, video, sound, installation, digital media, and creative writing, fostering a comprehensive understanding of contemporary artistic practices. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to investigate societal issues, cultural identity, and personal narratives, integrating theory and practice to produce meaningful and impactful art. The program also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to work across departments and with community partners to broaden their perspective and deepen their engagement. Faculty members are distinguished artists, writers, and performers dedicated to mentoring students in developing their creative capacities, critical analysis, and professional skills. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in the arts, including performing arts, multimedia production, curatorial work, art and literary editing, and entrepreneurial endeavors in creative industries. They also emerge equipped with the innovative thinking and adaptive skills necessary for success in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape, with many pursuing further studies or establishing their own artistic practices. The Intermedia Art, Writing, and Performance program at CU Boulder strives to cultivate a dynamic artistic community that encourages experimentation, diversity, and the exploration of new forms of expression, empowering students to become influential creators and thinkers in their fields.

Doctoral students in the IAWP PhD program take 30 credit hours of required coursework in the first two years of the program followed by 30 dissertation credit hours for a total of 60 hours. At the end of their second year, students will take their General Examination. Once they have passed the General Examination, their research will focus on the creation of an original and substantial project centered on practice-based research. The final outcome of their research will result in a creative work accompanied by a significant dissertation.

The required coursework will include an interdisciplinary set of IAWP classes that introduces students to collaborative, practice-based research processes in the digital arts and humanities. The course work includes an Introduction to Practice-Based Research, Intermedia Studio Collaboratory, Doing Digital Humanities, Transmedia Writing and Publishing, Advanced Topics in New Media Art and Theory, Performance Making, and the Intermedia Seminar. Students are also encouraged to take approved courses located across departments inside and outside the College of Media, Communication and Infomation.

Students are expected to complete the program and their practice-based research project in four to five years.

Requirements

Applicants to the PhD program in Intermedia Art, Writing and Performance are expected to hold a Master's degree (MFA or MA preferred) or its equivalent from an accredited college or university and provide transcripts from every institution attended. In exceptional cases, applicants without a master’s degree may be considered for admission.

We encourage applications from interdisciplinary digital artists and/or humanists who have already started developing experimental modes of practice-based research in contemporary forms of artistic expression. Completed domestic applications must be received by the program no later than Jan. 15 prior to the fall semester for which entrance is sought. International applications should be submitted by Dec. 1. Late applications may be considered under special circumstances.

Successful applications typically meet or exceed the following criteria:

• Provide transcripts from all institutions the applicant has attended as an undergraduate and graduate.
• Have an undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 in previous graduate work.
• Provide three letters of recommendation.
• Provide a 1000 word artist statement and proposal for a practice-based research project.
• Provide a resume or CV that includes academic and employment experience.
• Provide a portfolio of intermedia art work such as digital/Internet art sites, electronic literature, video and/or film work, digital humanities projects, mobile and web applications, audio files, etc. Format preference is web-based and could include links to Vimeo, Soundcloud, online publication and/or exhibition sites, personal sites, etc. DVDs with QuickTime files, images, texts, etc. are also accepted.

Meeting these criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Because we accept relatively few new doctoral students each fall, we may have more qualified applicants than available openings.

For review and decision purposes you are required to upload an unofficial copy of your transcript(s) in the online application. We require one copy of the scanned transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution that you attended. This includes community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs. While credits from one institution may appear on the transcript of a second institution, unofficial transcripts must be submitted from each institution, regardless of the length of attendance, and whether or not courses were completed. 

Scholarships

• Research or teaching assistantships, including a tuition waiver and stipend, as well as fellowships, are available.  PhD students may receive assistantships for a maximum of four years.
• Global Education

Intermedia Art, Writing and Performance at the University of Colorado Boulder is a comprehensive program designed to cultivate students' abilities across various creative disciplines, including visual arts, literary arts, and performance. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to experiment with different media and articulate complex ideas through innovative works. Students enrolled in this program have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including studios, digital labs, and performance spaces, which support a wide range of artistic practices. The curriculum is structured to foster both technical skills and conceptual understanding, with courses covering areas such as multimedia art, creative writing, performance art, installation, and experimental media. The program also offers opportunities for students to engage in collaborative projects, participate in exhibitions, performances, and readings, and develop a strong personal artistic voice. Faculty members are experienced artists and scholars dedicated to mentoring students and encouraging critical thinking. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in arts administration, production, curation, teaching, and various creative industries, emphasizing professional development alongside artistic growth. Students are encouraged to incorporate contemporary social and cultural themes into their work, making their art relevant and impactful. The program fosters a vibrant community of artists, writers, and performers, offering numerous workshops, seminars, and visiting artist residencies. Through these diverse opportunities, students build a versatile portfolio and gain valuable experience in the arts sector. The Intermedia program at CU Boulder also collaborates with other departments and external organizations, broadening the professional network and exposing students to real-world artistic and cultural environments. Overall, the program provides a dynamic and supportive environment that challenges students to push boundaries, explore new ideas, and develop innovative projects that reflect a broad spectrum of human experience.