The School of Visual Arts in New York is already known for their outstanding photography program and over the years has sent many artists by way of JBP. This year, they are offering a new intensive residency program, Photo Global, specifically for international students to have the opportunity to fully immerse in a critical dialogue of photography. The program is full-time for one year and offers opportunities for photographers who already have experience to advance their individual work through rigorous critique, dialogue, practice and visits to New York's myriad photography institutions.

Past and future speakers to the program include a wide variety of photographers and photo professionals, including: Tina Barney, Charlotte Cotton, Elinor Carucci, Roe Etheridge, Joseph Maida, Roxana Marcoci, Vik Muniz, Eva Respini, Collier Schorr, Taryn Simon, Larry Sultan, Eric Weeks and James Welling.

I had the chance to talk to Stephen Frailey, the Chair of the Photography Department at SVA (and a Hey, Hot Shot! panelist) about the program and why it might be the right fit for you or other photographers you know who are looking to bring their body of work to the next level:

Youngna Park: What was the evolution for the Photo Global program, and how is it different from the undergraduate degree in photography?

Stephen Frailey: I wanted to create a way to create a liaison with photographic communities around the world. As an international location for photographic practice and dialogue, New York City offers infinite opportunity and information, and the community of SVA a threshold for that experience. The goal of the certificate program is a multi-cultural and international learning experience that will enhance the knowledge and understanding of both the resident undergraduate students and those who will gather from various parts of the world. The program was started three years ago as a way to increase our understanding of photography on an international level, to elevate the undergraduate program by the strength of work from those who were somewhat more advanced, and to share our community and facilities.

It is different from the undergraduate program in that the participants are more advanced in their careers, thinking and practice.

YP:How does this program combine photographic practice with theory and immersion?

SF: Through the critique class, and by the choice of other electives that we offer that engage theory and critical thinking. The applicant for the program will be judged based not only on the originality of the work but its theoretical insight.

YP: Who is your ideal student?

SF: One whose work is advanced, fairly sophisticated and original, and is informed by the broader issues that animate photographic thinking specific to their genre. One who is, perhaps, at a turning point in their work and will take advantage of a new context and community and the resources that SVA and New York offers, and one who has an open mind and heart.

YP: What can international applicants learn from the Photo Global program that other programs don't offer?

SF: The program features a lecturing faculty that, individually, has shaped the discourse of contemporary American photography. In addition to the full resources of the BFA Photography Department, the resources of the MFA photography program will be available on an informal basis. It is an opportunity for non-American photography students to work in technologically advanced facilities with renowned photographers who bring critical rigor to the work of the advanced student. The function of the program is to progress the content of individual work through critique, lectures, museum and gallery visits and dialogue with other participants. The full breadth of the most advanced photographic technology is available, including studio, darkroom and digital facilities, as well as all formats of camera.

To learn more about the Photo Global Program, visit the program website. The deadline for applications is April 30, 2010 for the upcoming fall residency.