KTPP- QUESTION CONCERNING THE SKK
How would we like to proceed when the MFA becomes a Fachklasse?

Time:
Location

Luciano:
     1.- Use of spaces (I understand what Sepide mean about showing spaces. But I think that's more Cristina and Wolfgang's responsability than ABK's. So I wonder how to present this question.)
     
     2.- Credits. Will we be able to take the seminars until everybody finishes the Programm? Can we get credits from other courses? Is there a plan for that?
     
3. Use of spaces like mozartstrasse and Heusteigtheater in the semesters to come. 

Bilge: (for Monday)
1.I found out about the program because I had three important criteria that were fulfilled: the program being an MFA degree, focusing on performative arts in the interdisciplinary field, and experiencing and interacting with the art scene in Germany. I was very excited about the opportunity I had here, and my first semester was fruitful in many different ways I hadn't expected. This all comes down to my expectations being fulfilled, and now the scene will be different. I believe a great part of an MFA is also the people we get the chance to interact with. When the change from MFA to Fachklasse happens, we are stepping into the unknown, and in my opinion, we, as students of this program, should have a strong voice in the decision-making process for the future of our program. This also raises a question in our minds about the reason you felt the need for this transition. I think, as a main part of this program, we deserve an explanation.

Bilge: (for Wednesday)
    1. One concern we have is the new students who will join us being in the beginning of their studies. Since this was an MFA program before, it would suit better with us when the new students can also adapt to it. 
    2. Our desire would be that the MFA students will be more than the newcomers quantitively. 
    3. Currently, we cannot have credits from the seminars/workshops we attend to from the other departments, when we are a Fachklasse, will this change?
 
 Ceren:
     1-What is going to change when MFA become Fachklasse? Since I am not familiar with the Fachklasse system, an explanation would be good.
     2-Will we receive an MFA KTPP diploma when we graduate? How will the closing of the department officially make changes to our transcript?
     3-If the programme becomes a Fachklasse, how will access to the common areas be organised? More importantly, will these spaces (Mozartstr.Heusteigtheater) still be available? 
     4-How many people will be enrolled in the main course (this probably depends on Cristina and Wolfgang). My personal opinion is that the number is more important than the semester (in terms of the duration of the colloquim, the possibility to get feedback during the semester and the usage of the areas). 
     5-Maybe it is not related to the closing of the programme, but when we choose courses from other departments, can we count them as credits?
     
     
     
     Eunchae
     What i expected, and what the academy promised me when I was applying and deciding to take part of it, was that there will be more people after me and I could continue to exchange artistic experiences with different people. Here, different people does not simply means many people but people with diffrent backgrounds, which is going to be very limited when it is switched into fachklasse. This is definitely a diffrent condition than what I was promised when I decided to enroll in the academy, and I strongly argue that academy should listen to students' opinion and take responsibility to what is dissatisfied from the earlier conditions.
     It is a shame when the students' voice is not being heard, but if it is already decided and there is no more room to discuss, i would like to ask what will be the situation next year - will there be new people? Or it is just closed for now? Will new students be people who just finished grundklasse?
     And what is the main reason that the programme is closed? What was the purpose of the programme when it was first opened, and how it is evaluated that this is not worthy to be continued? I have heard views that MFA is not communicating well with the main campus- but how so? I see a lot of people from Diplom who is participation the courses from MFA, and as far as i know there has been continuously guest students.
     I would like to at least ask for a clear reason/evidence that this programme need to be closed.
     
     +) things I remember from the conversation with Cristina
     : if it becomes Fachklasse we want to have new students only changing from diffrent Klasse, and no more than 9 people in total- this number includes current KTPP artists.
     
     Sepid
     •        I want to know What are the main reasons behind the decision to close the MFA program?
        •        Has the decision already been finalized, or is there still room for discussion?
        •        Who made this decision and how was it communicated to the affected students?
• is there any chance for us as students to participate in the last meeting for making the final decision?

•        How can we as students contribute to the discussion or give feedback?
•Are you taking responsibility for the academic and artistic value of our work? (As I know for my PhD everythings get more difficult when our program is not exist anymore,and it affects my plans)

Cecilie
how it affects students from other countries, who cannot receive studentsupport etc. If it is not a masterprogramme, and will therefor not apply to the school if it changes from being a masterprogramme:)


Lem

1. The Quality and Research-Oriented Nature of the MFA
When we applied for the MFA-KTPP program, we were not only seeking an art certificate but also an environment for in-depth research in performance art.
The MFA provides a structured space for developing a personal artistic practice with the support of a research community and professional exchange.

2. Spaces for Exchange and Practice
A specialized research program requires dedicated spaces for in-depth, intimate, and safe discussions.
These spaces are not only about receiving knowledge but also about fostering dialogue, debate, and critical engagement.

3. The Intensive Structure of the MFA-KTPP
The MFA-KTPP consists of only four semesters, demanding that students work at a high intensity to develop their artistic practice.
This structure allows students sufficient time and resources to experiment, research, and refine their projects.


4. The Incompatibility of Two Educational Models
The MFA and Fachklasse serve different educational purposes and operate at different academic levels:
The MFA is a research-based program with a strong theoretical, critical, and academic foundation.
The Fachklasse is more practice-oriented and career-focused but lacks the same depth of academic and theoretical engagement.
Converting the MFA-KTPP into a Fachklasse risks disrupting the artistic focus of students, as these two models do not share the same values and methodologies.

5. The Akademie’s Responsibility for Educational Quality
The Akademie has a responsibility to maintain the quality of education, not only in terms of teaching but also in supporting students' artistic development.
If the program structure changes, the Akademie must provide a clear plan to ensure that students continue receiving necessary support rather than merely altering the program’s framework without meaningful adjustments.

If KTPP becomes a Fachklasse, the Akademie must clarify:


6. Student Choice and the Impact on the Art Community
MFA-KTPP students chose this program because it aligns with their artistic development needs.
A structural shift may affect not only current students but also the program’s reputation, potentially discouraging future applicants.
The broader artistic community may also be impacted if MFA-KTPP loses its research-driven focus.


Conclusion

*************************************

Below, there is the meeting notes from the first time we learned the news about the future of the program (14/01/25). We had a letter draft if you want to give it a look. This merges all the ideas on how we feel about the MFA. 

KTPP Meeting Notes On 14.01.2025:
    A trial of letter
    
Dear …. ,
I am writing to express my strong support for the KTPP program and to highlight the significant reasons why it is essential.
KTPP is the only MFA program in Baden-Württemberg, making it a crucial educational offering in the region. Finding a master's program that focuses specifically on performative arts is already rare, and it becomes even more exceptional within the landscape of German higher education. This program provides a unique and necessary space for artists who are committed to exploring performance as their primary medium.
For me, KTPP represents a valuable opportunity to engage with a group of individuals who share a deep interest in performative arts. The program fosters a diverse and dynamic collective of artists, something that is difficult to cultivate in other settings. Its master’s structure ensures that participants come from a variety of backgrounds, bachelor’s degrees, and experiences, thereby creating an artistic community distinct from the Fine Arts Diplom program at ABK. This diversity enriches the learning environment, offering fresh perspectives and approaches that would be difficult to achieve within a more homogeneous academic structure.
Additionally, KTPP facilitates the opening of seminars that benefit not only its own students but also those from other programs who find value in these discussions. The program’s emphasis on active exchange and collaboration between artists is one of its most vital aspects. This culture of sharing and courage in artistic practice is something I deeply appreciate, and I believe that as more artists join KTPP in the coming years, this environment will continue to thrive.
Beyond personal artistic growth, KTPP encourages critical engagement with the mainstream art world and its underlying social, political, and economic structures. The program’s interdisciplinary and international framework strengthens this critical discourse, making it an essential space for contemporary artistic practice. In today’s political climate of Germany, a program built on the foundation of polyphony is more relevant than ever.
Moreover, the opportunity to create alongside artists from diverse disciplines allows me to challenge and expand my own artistic approach. This interdisciplinary collaboration is invaluable, as it encourages fresh perspectives and innovative methodologies that might not emerge in a more traditional or isolated setting.
For all these reasons, KTPP is an indispensable program that not only benefits its students but also contributes to the broader artistic and academic community. Its existence ensures the continued development of critical, engaged, and experimental artistic practices, making it an essential component of the cultural landscape. For this reason, I think its closure would be a great loss. 
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,