BOSTON, MASS.- The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and Tufts University have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining the transition of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA) to Tufts University. The parties’ agreement in principle has received initial approval from the Boards of Trustees of both institutions, creating a new educational model that would make Tufts one of only a few universities in the United States with an arts program affiliated with a major museum. This new partnership expands the longstanding relationship between the SMFA and Tufts, which began in 1944.

“The fine arts are a critical component of a liberal arts education. Making the School of the Museum of Fine Arts part of Tufts is a unique and compelling opportunity to support and strengthen our academic mission,” said Tufts President Anthony P. Monaco. “We are excited about this landmark agreement, which gives Tufts an exemplary and highly distinctive arts program.”

Tufts would assume the operations of the SMFA from the Museum (pending continued study, review and final approval of definitive agreements in the coming months) as of June 30, 2016. The SMFA would become part of Tufts’ School of Arts and Sciences. Faculty and students in arts and sciences, as well as across the university, would have enriched academic and programmatic opportunities and enhanced access to the Museum’s collections and staff.

“For nearly 140 years, the SMFA has provided exceptional educational leadership,” said Matthew Teitelbaum, Ann and Graham Gund Director of the MFA. “This expanded partnership will create extensive opportunities for scholarship, collaboration and creativity amongst the communities of Tufts, the SMFA, the Museum, and, most especially, for artists.”

Tufts and the SMFA have had a relationship for more than 70 years. Tufts has provided liberal arts courses, as well as accredited bachelor and master of fine arts degrees, to SMFA students. The SMFA has offered courses in studio arts to Tufts students. The two institutions have also offered a joint, five-year undergraduate degree. If the final terms of the proposed transaction are approved, current SMFA students will become Tufts students.

“This powerful three-way partnership is a bold proposition about not only educating artists, but also the central place of the arts in education and, in fact, the world itself. It’s an exciting moment for us all,” said Christopher Bratton, President of the SMFA.