Tufts, School of the Museum of Fine Arts to merge in 2016

Tufts University and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston are on the verge of a merge according to TuftsNow.

The board of trustees for two sides have signed a memorandum of understanding that outlines the transition that will make Tufts one of the only universities in the country with an arts program affiliated with a major museum.

Representatives from both schools did not immediately return phone calls.

“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,” Tufts President Anthony P. Monaco told TuftsNow. “We are excited about this landmark agreement, which gives Tufts an exemplary and highly distinctive arts program.”

Tufts will start running the show at the SMFA, incorporating it into their School of Arts and Sciences, as early as June 30 of next year.

“For nearly 140 years, the SMFA has provided exceptional educational leadership,” Matthew Teitelbaum, Ann and Graham Gund Director of the MFA told TuftsNow. “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.”

The two institutions have had a relationship for over 70 years.

Tufts has offered liberal arts courses to SMFA students, as well as bachelor and master of fine arts degree programs.

In return, the SMFA has offered in-studio courses for Tufts students.

For the students of the SMFA, the merger means that they will become Tufts students in 2016.