Applications are now open for the Crossroads Cohort, a new and innovative interdisciplinary graduate program developed by the Africana Studies Program and the Newcomb Art Department at Tulane University in New Orleans.

The master’s-level program allows students to pursue graduate study at the intersection of Africana studies and art and is set to welcome its inaugural cohort in fall 2025. Mindful of the sense of isolation often experienced by students — especially Black students and other students of color — who work at the intersection of these fields during their graduate study, the two-year program is designed around a cohort model and will accept at least three students every other year.

Alongside individualized courses of study, Crossroads Cohort students participate in dedicated seminar courses together and collaborate to develop a capstone project such as a small exhibition, symposium, or innovative public program as the culmination of their graduate experience.

Crossroads offers tracks for both art historians and studio artists; students who complete the program can earn either an interdisciplinary MA in Africana Studies and Art History, an MA in Africana Studies and an MFA in Studio Art, or an MFA in Studio Art with a concentration in Africana Studies.

All admitted students will receive a full tuition waiver, a graduate student living stipend, paid summer internship opportunities relevant to the field, funding for the capstone project, and access to additional research funds. In addition to their academic training, Crossroads Cohort students will benefit from opportunities to hone their professional skills and develop their professional networks through funded group travel and conference experiences, internships in community-engaged art history and/or practice, and other enrichment activities.

The application for the Crossroads Cohort can be accessed at applygrad.tulane.edu/apply. The application deadline is January 10, 2025.

For more information, visit liberalarts.tulane.edu.

Have questions? Contact us at crossroadscohort@tulane.edu.