Attracting students with exceptional potential requires a gifted faculty, creative space, and generous scholarship funding. A solid foundation already exists, but more needs to be done as the MFA program transitions to its Portland location. The generosity of past donors such as Allen and Marcia Hite, among others, has allowed the Hite Art Institute to offer numerous competitive partial scholarships over the years. However, moving the Hite toward a nationally recognized MFA program requires fully funded graduate fellowships that allow for need-blind admissions.

BRICKS AND MORTAR
Leasing the renovated 27,000 square feet of space will cost up to $450,000 annually ($9/square foot, plus associated costs for utilities, maintenance, and security), or $4.5 million for the 10-year lease. The goal is to purchase the building during or at the end of this time frame.

ENDOWMENT
The Department of Fine Arts seeks to offer two new fully funded graduate fellowships to each incoming class, a total of six for the three-year program. The cost to endow each fellowship is $750,000.

FURNISHINGS AND EQUIPMENT
There is a need to invest in specialized equipment and supplies to outfit the MFA program in its Portland location.

MFA Studio Space Rental Fund
To support the 1606 Rowan Street building rental expenses for studio.

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MFA Studio Outfitting Fund
To help furnish art equipment and supplies for the MFA Program.

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MFA Studio Operations Fund
To support ongoing operational expenses for the studio facility.

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To find out about these and other funding opportunities for this exciting project, Director of Development, Denise Bohn, or call her at 502.852.8824