The Doctoral School of the Vilnius Academy of Arts comprises a vibrant community of 32 practice-based researchers in the arts (fine art, design, and architecture) and 32 researchers in art history & theory. Established in 2010, the doctoral program in the arts aims to facilitate artistic research for artists, designers, architects, curators, art writers, and other practitioners. All of the doctoral candidates have a strong artistic focus in their respective fields and actively [re]shape their individual investigations through participating and organising exhibitions, symposia, conferences, workshops and other events. Forthcoming events organised by the candidates of the Doctoral School include “Walking is still honest*: about being and moving together” and Research Symposium “Not Quite King, Not Quite Fish” two symposia of artistic research.
Key facts about the studies in Doctoral programme in the arts
Selected candidates develop their own art project which includes both creative and academic work. Epistemic curiosity, experimental writing, and the search for individual methodologies is encouraged.
The written requirement is 30.000-40.000 words. This can be written in English or Lithuanian and other languages are accepted upon agreement with the committee of the Doctoral Programme. The presentation format of the creative component is determined by the candidate in relation to the form and content of the research. At the end of the studies the candidate is awarded with Doctorate in the Arts (DA) degree which equivalency to PhD is dependent on each country's system. In Lithuanian and in some other countries you are eligible to continue your research as a post-doc fellow (Lithuanian Research Council funding).
Studies and classes are held in Lithuanian and English. Curricula is not yet mirrored in each language, however, learning objectives can be met in both languages and credit requirements fulfilled.
The program is based in Vilnius, however, a few students are based in other cities. Residency in Vilnius is not mandatory but recommended. Onsite obligatory seminars and courses are confirmed annually and scheduled 4-5 weeks a year (minimum 70% of attendance is requested).
The tuition is for free for selected candidates regardless of nationality. Candidates receive a grant for the duration of the 4 years of the programme.
Documents for admission are accepted by e-mail between September 5-7th, and selected candidates are invited for interviews between September 20-22nd. Studies begin 1st of October 2023.
After the admission, the student selects two supervisors to support them in their creative and research work. One supervisor is responsible for creative work and another for the research and one supervisor must be from VDA. More about present candidates and their supervisors, as well as defended theses (art projects) and admission dates can be found here: https://www.vda.lt/en/doctoral-studies/
