Montserrat College of Art

Montserrat was born in the late sixties, a time when people were questioning the status quo and seeking new solutions. A group of artists who were working and teaching in the Boston area had a bold idea: to create a new kind of art school in Massachusetts for professional education in the visual arts – a school that would not only focus on the arts, but would also focus on the individual needs of each student. A simple idea, but one that had seldom been attempted and rarely achieved. Foregoing the security – but also the limitations – that traditional institutions offered, these artists labored to breathe life into their idea.

Founded by working creative professionals, Montserrat College of Art provides an individualized education focused on maximizing the professional and personal success of each student. Structured around experiential learning, studio practice, liberal arts, and professional preparation, the mission of the college ensures that its graduates leave equipped with the competence, confidence, and habits of mind to build lives of creative enterprise and community engagement. Montserrat recognizes its role as an economic driver and cultural leader in the region.

VALUES

Our individual and collective work as an independent institution of higher education is informed and guided by the following values:

• The practice of art, design, research, and creative enterprise has intrinsic value.
• Teaching, learning, and service are central to who we are.
• Individuality, creativity, expression, and experimentation are respected and encouraged.
• Accountability and integrity are essential to sustain creativity and shared community.
• We thrive on diversity of people, ideas, and approaches.

VISION

Montserrat College of Art will be known for:

• Its interdisciplinary, experiential, individualized, and innovative education focused on the personal and professional development of passionate, hard-working, ambitious, and creative students of all ages;
• Its advocacy for the arts, design, and creative enterprise;
• Its diversity, openness, access, and equity in all that we do; and
• Its service to our community, the region, and the world.