Our Post-Baccalaureate Residency

The Post-Baccalaureate Residency is a rigorous program that will prepare you to be a practicing artist.

Over the course of two semesters, students create a body of work and develop a portfolio tailored to their own goals.

This is a studio-based program where students immerse themselves in creative practice with personalized mentor support. Students choose a pathway among four areas of focus: Design Arts, Media Arts, Studio Arts, and Creative Writing.

Bolster your creative practice and set yourself up for a career in the arts with a one-year residency.

Benefits of the Residency

The condensed format of the residency allows students to focus on creating work and developing a unique voice. Each student gets their own dedicated studio space to work in and access to every resource PNCA has to offer. This allows them to create meaningful work that reflects their style and perspective, resulting in a strong portfolio. With the self-discipline cultivated during the residency and the body of work created, students are prepared for a wide range of careers in the arts.

Portland

Portland is one of the most creative cities in the nation and a defining part of the Pacific Northwest’s cultural and creative identity. By choosing to study in Portland, you will receive an arts education enhanced by proximity to significant museums, galleries, and institutions in addition to cultural nonprofits and a thriving community of makers. Artists in the Portland community frequently visit campus as mentors, guest lecturers, and visiting artists, offering our students new perspectives and opportunities to build connections in the art world.

Mentorship

The Post-Baccalaureate Residency is a mentorship-based program. Students are thoughtfully paired with a mentor from PNCA’s faculty or the Portland community who will offer guidance throughout the residency. The mentor relationship is a personalized, one-on-one partnership in which students can talk through ideas and receive feedback as they cultivate their unique voice.

Alumni Spotlight

Emery Bradlina (‘21)

Emery Bradlina used her time in the residency to focus on typography, type design, logo design, and brand systems design. Since completing the residency, she has worked as a graphic design specialist for Backpacker’s Pantry and Chef Soraya and a freelance graphic designer for Oregon Wild. Currently, she works as a designer for the Liquid Agency where she works closely with clients to develop recognizable branding.