Mozarteum University presents new Master Open Arts

Mozarteum University launches a new Master’s program in Open Arts in October 2025 and welcomes students from all academic fields and social backgrounds who aspire to transcend disciplinary boundaries in their artistic practice. The program invites individuals seeking to engage with contemporary challenges of our time related to social, ecological and technological change while forging innovative and sustainable new pathways.

The Salzburg Open Arts Program is an innovative and experimental study initiative that explores inter-, trans-, cross-, multi-, and undisciplinarity as both an artistic and theoretical domainan independent artistic and theoretical field. It is committed to amplifying the diverse and complex realities of the contemporary world, providing them with the visibility and free expression they deserve. Through a climate of respectful communication, constructive engagement, and knowledge transfer, the program fosters dynamic exchanges in artist studios, lectures, and guest lectures. It navigates the spaces emerging between disciplines, sciences, and the arts, as well as between individuals and communities, embracing fluidity in artistic and intellectual exploration.

The master’s in Open Arts (MA) provides a structured yet flexible framework for the development of individual projects across a variety of formats—including one-on-one mentorship, seminars, workshops, guest lectures, excursions, and opendialogue spaces. The program takes place in a collaborative environment that nurtures artistic and intellectual exchange while offering comprehensive infrastructure and resources, including dedicated studios, instruments, expert faculty, and an extensive library.

Each student benefits from individualized co-supervision and mentorship by faculty members from across the Mozarteum University.

Marking a significant milestone, the launch of the Open Arts program coincides with the opening of the Mozarteum University’s new location at the Kurgarten UMAK, home to the X-Reality Lab. This state-of-the-art facility provides students, researchers, and developers with unparalleled opportunities for project-based experimentation, particularly in the realm of immersive, interactive arts, and digital narratives.

The Master Open Arts is a two-year program conducted in both German and English, with courses held in Salzburg. It is open to artists from all disciplines – including STEM and Humanities—who hold at least a bachelor’s degree and have an active artistic practice.

The application process for the MA Open Arts is structured as follows:

Online application & portfolio submission
Application period: February 1–March 28, 2025 / Instructions: See details above.

Entrance examination
Part I: online interview
Applicants who pass the initial selection will be invited to a short online interview(10–15 minutes). Interview dates: April 29 or 30, 2025.

Part II: On-site workshop & interview in Salzburg
Selected applicants will be invited to a workshop and interview held on-site. Date:June 2–6, 2025 / Invitation: Sent approximately two weeks before the exam.

For more information on the program, application process, and upcoming info sessions, visit here.