Home | IDSVA | The IDSVA PhD in Visual Arts
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Archived: 2026-04-23 15:31
Home | IDSVA | The IDSVA PhD in Visual Arts
INSTITUTE FOR DOCTORAL STUDIES
IN THE VISUAL ARTS
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IDSVA’s pioneering curriculum—fusing interactive online education with intensive residencies—allows working art professionals to pursue rigorous advanced scholarship without having to interrupt or abandon their teaching careers, art practice, or other professional responsibilities. You don't have to choose between your current work and your intellectual growth—our program is designed for both.
artist-philosophers
reimagine the world
Join our Coming Community
Where we are
We are a truly nomadic institution without a traditional campus, creating a global community of learning that spans continents. Your education unfolds through interactive online seminars combined with intensive residencies in Rome, Spannocchia Castle in Tuscany, Siena, Venice, Berlin, Athens, Madrid, Marrakech, Mexico City, and New York City.
Residencies
Who we are
Our community brings together artists, architects, curators, educators, philosophers, and creative scholars from around the world. Throughout your journey, you'll learn alongside world-leading artists and philosophers who make up our Core Faculty and distinguished Visiting Faculty.
Admissions Requirements
What we do
Our innovative curriculum explores the deeply intertwined relationships between the history of ideas and theories that shape different art forms and practices. You'll graduate with a PhD in Visual Arts: Philosophy, Aesthetics, and Art Theory—the only degree of its kind in the world.
Course of Study
Latest News From IDSVA
Stay updated with our latest news updates.
View all
Rolling Admissions for Fall Enrollment– Your First Residency is in Mexico City
Apply now and start with the online first-year seminar in the Fall (September-December), then travel to Mexico City for your first international Winter residency part of the Topological Studies Program with our world-renowned faculty (January 6-13, 2027). See our academic calendar for more details.
Melvin Edwards (1937-2026)
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Melvin (Mel) Edwards, one of the most important artists of his generation. Edwards was recognized through the decades since his early museum debut at the Museum of Santa Barbara in 1967, particularly for his steel sculptures combining formal abstraction with historical themes derived from the African diaspora.
IDSVA presents a book launch with alumnae: Dr. Jessica Rodríguez-Colón & Dr. Katherine Farrington with Dr. Keren Moscovitch, moderator
IDSVA was pleased to host a special gathering to celebrate the book launch by two PhD graduates, Dr. Kate Farrington and Dr. Jessica M. Rodríguez-Colón, who recently published with Routledge and Bloomsbury. Dr. Keren Moscovitch (IDSVA Alumna 2020) was moderator to the discussion.
Book Launch for "The Artist-Philosopher in the Age of Addiction: Heidegger’s Climatology" by George Smith
The Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts is pleased to host the first online book launch of The Artist-Philosopher in the Age of Addiction. Heidegger’s Climatology (Routledge, 2025) by IDSVA’s founder Prof. George Smith on Saturday, April 18, 12:00 pm EST / 6:00 pm CET.
"Save the Date" & our 2026 Honorary Degree Recipient
Our Commencement Ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 2:30pm, held in the Gilder Lehrman Hall at the Morgan Library in New York City. We are excited to announce that Dr. Sarah Lewis will be the recipient of our Honorary Degree at this year's commencement.
Now Extending our PhD Program to BA/BFA Applicants
We are now accepting applications from qualified holders of a BA or BFA for our PhD program in Art Theory, Aesthetics, and Philosophy. Earn your PhD with three years of coursework followed by the dissertation.
2026 Spring Conference Participants
We are pleased to present the following list of our IDSVA students and alumni participating in academic conferences this season. Congratulations to all!
Winter 2026 Newsletter just launched!
The IDSVA Newsletter now features articles written by students and alumni published quarterly: in the fall, winter, summer, and spring.
Editorial Committee
Co-Editors: Latausha Cox, Cohort ’23 & Vincent Turner II, Cohort ’24
Staff Editors: Dr. Silvia Mazzini & Dr. Jeanne Moore
Coordinator: Jessica Myer
Meet our 2025 David Driskell Fellow, Santana Nash
IDSVA awards one David Driskell Fellowship with each incoming cohort. Driskell Fellows are students who show promise in carrying forward David Driskell's mission to encourage worldwide community and equality through art.
Almost there! Participate in the match challenge today.
We are now just $15,000 away from unlocking the full match. Reaching that mark will mean every remaining dollar is doubled and put directly toward scholarships for students who otherwise would not be able to pursue this education.
The Biennale Certificate in Philosophy and Art : Call for Participation (Venice, June 18—21, 2026)
The Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts invites creatives from all backgrounds and disciplines to apply by March 15, 2026.
Winter 2026 Faculty Announcement
IDSVA’s internationally renowned philosophers, artists, and scholars join students at residency sites, leading seminar discussions and field work that explore each location's historical, aesthetic, and ideological significance. They bring cutting-edge research and diverse global perspectives directly into the learning experience. Ilham Ibnou Zahir, Silvia Mazzini, Simonetta Moro, Laila Sandoval, and George Smith will participate in our January 2026 residencies in Marrakech and Madrid.
Composition, Politics and the Problem of Decision-Making in Latour and Serres: A Webinar Presentation by Professor David Webb
This online presentation on Tuesday, November 18, at 12pm EST / 6pm CET, is free and open to all. The lecture compares Bruno Latour and Michel Serres on composition, politics and the problem of decision-making beyond the human. Both ask how humans, nonhumans, artefacts and processes come together to form a world.
Book Launch: Santiago Zabala's "Signs from the Future. A Philosophy of Warnings"
The Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts is pleased to host the first online book launch of "Signs from the Future. A Philosophy of Warnings" (Columbia University Press, 2025) by Santiago Zabala (ICREA/Pompeu Fabra University). The author will participate in a conversation with Silvia Mazzini (IDSVA), Simonetta Moro (IDSVA), and Martin Woessner (City College of New York).
2025 Fall Conference Participants
We are pleased to present the following list of our IDSVA students and alumni participating in academic conferences this season. Congratulations to all!
View all
INSTITUTE FOR DOCTORAL STUDIES
IN THE VISUAL ARTS
Inquire
Give
Academics
Home
Why IDSVA
Courses
Residencies
Academic Calendar
Library
People
Faculty
Visiting Faculty
Our Students & Alumni
Driskell Fellows
Honorary Degree Recipients
Administration
Board Members
Discover
Book Publications
Dissertation Abstracts
Student Newsletter
News
Admissions
How to Apply
Inquire
Scholarships and Tuition
Student Portal
Current Students
Newly Enrolled Students
About
Mission
History and Facts
Accreditation
Contact
Inquire
Give
IDSVA’s pioneering curriculum—fusing interactive online education with intensive residencies—allows working art professionals to pursue rigorous advanced scholarship without having to interrupt or abandon their teaching careers, art practice, or other professional responsibilities. You don't have to choose between your current work and your intellectual growth—our program is designed for both.
artist-philosophers
reimagine the world
Join our Coming Community
Where we are
We are a truly nomadic institution without a traditional campus, creating a global community of learning that spans continents. Your education unfolds through interactive online seminars combined with intensive residencies in Rome, Spannocchia Castle in Tuscany, Siena, Venice, Berlin, Athens, Madrid, Marrakech, Mexico City, and New York City.
Residencies
Who we are
Our community brings together artists, architects, curators, educators, philosophers, and creative scholars from around the world. Throughout your journey, you'll learn alongside world-leading artists and philosophers who make up our Core Faculty and distinguished Visiting Faculty.
Admissions Requirements
What we do
Our innovative curriculum explores the deeply intertwined relationships between the history of ideas and theories that shape different art forms and practices. You'll graduate with a PhD in Visual Arts: Philosophy, Aesthetics, and Art Theory—the only degree of its kind in the world.
Course of Study
Latest News From IDSVA
Stay updated with our latest news updates.
View all
Rolling Admissions for Fall Enrollment– Your First Residency is in Mexico City
Apply now and start with the online first-year seminar in the Fall (September-December), then travel to Mexico City for your first international Winter residency part of the Topological Studies Program with our world-renowned faculty (January 6-13, 2027). See our academic calendar for more details.
Melvin Edwards (1937-2026)
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Melvin (Mel) Edwards, one of the most important artists of his generation. Edwards was recognized through the decades since his early museum debut at the Museum of Santa Barbara in 1967, particularly for his steel sculptures combining formal abstraction with historical themes derived from the African diaspora.
IDSVA presents a book launch with alumnae: Dr. Jessica Rodríguez-Colón & Dr. Katherine Farrington with Dr. Keren Moscovitch, moderator
IDSVA was pleased to host a special gathering to celebrate the book launch by two PhD graduates, Dr. Kate Farrington and Dr. Jessica M. Rodríguez-Colón, who recently published with Routledge and Bloomsbury. Dr. Keren Moscovitch (IDSVA Alumna 2020) was moderator to the discussion.
Book Launch for "The Artist-Philosopher in the Age of Addiction: Heidegger’s Climatology" by George Smith
The Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts is pleased to host the first online book launch of The Artist-Philosopher in the Age of Addiction. Heidegger’s Climatology (Routledge, 2025) by IDSVA’s founder Prof. George Smith on Saturday, April 18, 12:00 pm EST / 6:00 pm CET.
"Save the Date" & our 2026 Honorary Degree Recipient
Our Commencement Ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 2:30pm, held in the Gilder Lehrman Hall at the Morgan Library in New York City. We are excited to announce that Dr. Sarah Lewis will be the recipient of our Honorary Degree at this year's commencement.
Now Extending our PhD Program to BA/BFA Applicants
We are now accepting applications from qualified holders of a BA or BFA for our PhD program in Art Theory, Aesthetics, and Philosophy. Earn your PhD with three years of coursework followed by the dissertation.
2026 Spring Conference Participants
We are pleased to present the following list of our IDSVA students and alumni participating in academic conferences this season. Congratulations to all!
Winter 2026 Newsletter just launched!
The IDSVA Newsletter now features articles written by students and alumni published quarterly: in the fall, winter, summer, and spring.
Editorial Committee
Co-Editors: Latausha Cox, Cohort ’23 & Vincent Turner II, Cohort ’24
Staff Editors: Dr. Silvia Mazzini & Dr. Jeanne Moore
Coordinator: Jessica Myer
Meet our 2025 David Driskell Fellow, Santana Nash
IDSVA awards one David Driskell Fellowship with each incoming cohort. Driskell Fellows are students who show promise in carrying forward David Driskell's mission to encourage worldwide community and equality through art.
Almost there! Participate in the match challenge today.
We are now just $15,000 away from unlocking the full match. Reaching that mark will mean every remaining dollar is doubled and put directly toward scholarships for students who otherwise would not be able to pursue this education.
The Biennale Certificate in Philosophy and Art : Call for Participation (Venice, June 18—21, 2026)
The Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts invites creatives from all backgrounds and disciplines to apply by March 15, 2026.
Winter 2026 Faculty Announcement
IDSVA’s internationally renowned philosophers, artists, and scholars join students at residency sites, leading seminar discussions and field work that explore each location's historical, aesthetic, and ideological significance. They bring cutting-edge research and diverse global perspectives directly into the learning experience. Ilham Ibnou Zahir, Silvia Mazzini, Simonetta Moro, Laila Sandoval, and George Smith will participate in our January 2026 residencies in Marrakech and Madrid.
Composition, Politics and the Problem of Decision-Making in Latour and Serres: A Webinar Presentation by Professor David Webb
This online presentation on Tuesday, November 18, at 12pm EST / 6pm CET, is free and open to all. The lecture compares Bruno Latour and Michel Serres on composition, politics and the problem of decision-making beyond the human. Both ask how humans, nonhumans, artefacts and processes come together to form a world.
Book Launch: Santiago Zabala's "Signs from the Future. A Philosophy of Warnings"
The Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts is pleased to host the first online book launch of "Signs from the Future. A Philosophy of Warnings" (Columbia University Press, 2025) by Santiago Zabala (ICREA/Pompeu Fabra University). The author will participate in a conversation with Silvia Mazzini (IDSVA), Simonetta Moro (IDSVA), and Martin Woessner (City College of New York).
2025 Fall Conference Participants
We are pleased to present the following list of our IDSVA students and alumni participating in academic conferences this season. Congratulations to all!
View all