School of Visual Arts presents “Venture Thesis Launch,” an exhibition of thesis projects by graduating MFA Design students. Curated by faculty member Ada Whitney, the exhibition is on view May 3 through May 17 at the SVA Chelsea Gallery, 601 West 26th Street, 15th floor, New York City.

This showcase of entrepreneurial products, campaigns, apps and videos created by MFA Design/Designer as Author and Entrepreneur students reflects the multitude of roles that designers fill in order to meet the needs of today’s complex social and commercial world. Projects include an app for people who have been affected by a loved one's suicide, workshops that introduce American designers to the handcrafts and culture of the Middle East, an online marketplace that connects post-grads with investors to offset student loans and an early literacy program for Mexican-American children.

MFA Design at SVA, also known as MFA Designer as Author and Entrepreneur, launched in 1998 as an alternative to traditional master's programs, which emphasize form over content. MFA Design provides the tools, inspiration and experience to ensure that students transcend the common definition of designers as solely service providers to become individual and collaborative authors and originators of content.

As entrepreneurship has become more significant throughout the contemporary design scene, MFA Design has been in the forefront. Students are required to create their own content using any media; their thesis is produced directly for a specific marketplace of goods and ideas.

Students work individually and collaboratively during two intensive years to develop products of value through both digital and hand skills. They are encouraged to network with visiting and full-time faculty—professionals all—to ensure that their respective intellectual properties are aesthetically sound and conceptually viable.

Exhibition

Venture Thesis Launch

SVA Chelsea Gallery

Reception