Bachelor of Arts [B.A] [Interdisciplinary Arts] From University of Washington

The Interdisciplinary Arts (IA) program at University of Washington Bothell is built on the belief that advanced contributions to art can be made by anyone from any class, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender, and background. IA faculty implement the most current and relevant thinking and practices in art in order to inspire students to push towards new advancements and achievements.

The degree focuses on helping students learn how to think in innovative and experimental ways while developing independent projects of a high artistic standard. Coursework in the IA major includes a core class on interdisciplinary arts theory and practice (BISIA 319) and studio-based workshops classes. It enables students to develop do-it-yourself strategies for artistic practice and take part in artist-run initiatives.

Students in the IA major explore the many ways in which artists and their art publicly address complex cultural, philosophical and political phenomena. The curriculum emphasizes research-based art production, while addressing questions of media and genre as these are being transformed through current art practices. In each of these settings students gain production skills and develop their critical thinking, historical and aesthetic awareness, and digital literacy. Taught by faculty who are practicing artists with national and international public profiles, the curriculum actively engages in current discourses about conceptual art, post-studio production, curation, and installation, communicative and material languages.

Interdisciplinary Arts graduates become independent artists, build careers in arts and cultural industries as curators and administrators, and develop arts-based projects in a range of employment sectors, including health, media, and education. They are also prepared for graduate education in the arts and humanities, cultural studies, and are qualified to enter Master of Fine Arts programs.