Practical Information
The master's program consists of 6 sessions spread over 8 months, with the first and last sessions taking place with the entire group. The group discussions focus on analyzing and observing each other’s work, exchanging ideas, inspiring one another, and learning from each other. Between the start and the conclusion of the program, you will have a work review with your assigned mentor every 6 weeks. You will discuss, either individually or in pairs, the work you have created in response to previously received feedback. These sessions take place in your individual mentor’s studio. Online feedback may also be provided by mutual agreement.
Halfway through the program, you’ll switch mentors. You’ll work with two of the three DIA mentors during the program. We take great care when matching participants with mentors. Often, the learning objective is the guiding factor, and we determine which mentor—based on their experience—we believe can provide the best input. In addition, we consider practical matters such as travel distance, and we pair a participant who already knows one of the mentors specifically with the other two.
The cost of the Contemporary Drawing master's program is €1,150 (including VAT). You may apply to Werktuig PPO for a contribution toward the costs: https://werktuigppo.nl/
If you are accepted, you will receive an invoice before the program begins. Your spot is only guaranteed once payment has been made. You are registering for the entire program. If you are unable to attend after the program has started—due to illness or for any other reason—unfortunately, there will be no refund of the tuition fee.
You can also schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of the counselors. Mariëtte Linders offers these consultations online or in person, depending on your preference. You’ll meet the other counselors in person. The fee for this is €90 per hour (including VAT).
If you have any questions, please email:info@drawinginventionsacademy.com
Examples of learning questions from previous participants:
“While I’m drawing, the (intentional) content or image sometimes slips away from me, and I’m not quite sure how to relate to that. I’d like to gain more insight into the relationships between my works and whether they possess a recognizable sense of unity.”
“I tend to want to tell a ‘story,’ while at the same time I enjoy letting myself be drawn in by the form and the material alone. How do I bring those two together? My goal is to give my work more direction and to gain more confidence in how I present myself through my work.”
“My pitfall is that my work turns into mere images. How can I explore abstraction and imagination more?”
Experiences of previous participants:
“Every time, I went home feeling encouraged, confident in what I was doing, and equipped with practical tools.”
“A greater focus on the question: What am I creating, and what is important to me? And I’ve learned more about the question: How do others view my work?”
“It’s been good for me to have other artists take a close look at my work. It’s given me more confidence and direction. It’s expanded my network.”
APPLICATION & SELECTION
DIA follows a selection process. Candidates submit a digital portfolio of their work and provide a written statement explaining their motivation for applying. DIA’s advisors evaluate the work, the motivation, and the candidate’s learning goals. In doing so, they consider originality, technique, potential for growth, and artistic ability.
Applications for the eighth Contemporary Drawing master's program are open until July 1, 2026. The maximum number of participants is 12.
Important: The application must consist of a single PDF file, no larger than 8 MB, containing:
- A maximum of ten images; for each image, include the title, dimensions, year, and medium.
- Resume
- Learning Question/Objective
- Cover letter of no more than one A4 page