The Center for Advanced Visual Studies is a fellowship program that commissions and produces new artworks and artistic research within the context of MIT. A laboratory for interdisciplinary art practice, the Center facilitates exchange between internationally known contemporary artists and MIT’s faculty, students, and staff through public programs, support for long-term art projects, and residencies for MIT students. 

Established in 1967 by Gyorgy Kepes, the Center provided long-term appointments in its first decade to artists such as Maryanne Amacher, Stan van der Beek, Lowry Burgess, Peter Campus, Charlotte Moorman, Nam June Paik, Yvonne Rainer, Alan Sonfist, and many others. For more on the Center's history. 

In 2004-2005, the Center embarked on an ambitious revitalization program. Visits by twelve artists including Marjetica Potrc, 16 Beaver Group, Seth Price, Miranda July, and Michael Smith doubled as site visits, "seeding" proposals for future long-term residencies. In 2005-2006, the visiting artists series continues as the Center also produces major new projects by Michael Smithand the Center for Urban Pedagogy and adds student residents to its community of working artists.