William Deresiewicz, an acclaimed author and educator, discusses the changing landscape of art education and the increasing necessity of credentials in the creative fields. During a conversation, he reflects on how, historically, artists thrived without formal qualifications. He emphasizes that the rise of MFAs began post-1930s, influenced by the shifts in culture and education. Deresiewicz highlights a troubling trend where credentialism overshadows artistic individuality, causing artists to conform to institutional standards rather than forging their unique paths, a stark contrast to the tech industry's approach to education and career advancement.
I talked to a lot of people, and we have a terrible situation that schools have created: We're in this place where credential has become necessary.
There were no MFAs until around the 1930s. There were very few MFAs until after World War II and the big arts boom.
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