90340NSW Diploma of Fine Arts

Qualification: Diploma (AQF)
TAFE NSW Course No: 7531

This course gives you a specialised education in the fine arts. The course is for people who want to be practising artists or people who intend working in support of professionals in the visual arts industry. It provides an opportunity to develop a direction and style, based on a combination of skills, creativity and understanding, with a core of drawing skills.

The course has an emphasis on studio work and is based on professional practices in the visual arts industry.

You have the opportunity to concentrate on two of the following fine arts discipline areas: painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and ceramics. Contact each campus to confirm which studio-based elective is offered at that location.

Career Opportunities: Self-employed artist or visual arts assistant in areas such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, and photography. A range of positions are also available in arts related areas such as community arts, art galleries, museum, design, illustration, teaching, arts consultancy, administration, picture framing, and conservation.

Articulation: When you finish this course you can apply for advanced standing in other TAFE NSW courses (such as 90339NSW Advanced Diploma of Fine Arts, TAFE course no: 7532 or university degree courses.

Entry Requirements: Completion of Year 12 with a minimum of 10 units in the NSW HSC Record of Achievement (or equivalent statement from another educational authority) plus submission of drawing(s) and a portfolio containing seven (7) examples of work.

Alternatively, a 90961NSW Fine Arts Certificate III or equivalent plus submission of drawing(s) and a portfolio containing seven (7) examples of work.

Student Selection: Your application will be assessed using the following selection criteria:

1. Your ability to complete the course, demonstrated by your
* previous education and training;
* paid or unpaid work experience or participation in the visual arts; and
* life and community experience.
2. Why you want to do the course and how the course is relevant to your career plans or personal goals.
3. Any further evidence in support of your application.

Plus:

1. Interest in and a capacity to apply skills and knowledge in at least one of the visual art disciplines (i.e. painting, photography, sculpture, printmaking, drawing or ceramics).
2. Individuality of expression.
3. An ability to experiment.
4. An ability to express personal vision.
5. An imaginative and innovative application of idea or concepts.
6. Care and skill in the presentation of work presented.

Selection Method: For selection into this course, applicants must submit a portfolio containing at least seven (7) examples of original work. The portfolio can be A1 in size and must contain original work or photographs of original work (preferably in 8 x 10 format) , or 35mm slides. Photographs may be used for original installations, performance, large scale of three-dimensional works.

The portfolio work should indicate creative ability, skills and interests in the visual arts. Examples of work should show a range or technical skills, visual processes and media and demonstrate a variety of approaches to subject matter, themes or concepts.

Applicants will also be asked to do a drawing of a subject matter that will be set up at the campus. Materials will be provided.

A panel of teachers will assess the portfolio and drawing(s). Applicants will have the opportunity to discuss their portfolio work and any prior relevant experience, interest, or activities in the visual arts field which would support their application.

Applicants should be prepared to discuss any benefits they would gain from doing the course and any personal qualities which would assist their work as an artist or which would help them gain employment in the visual arts industry.

Note: Applicants must contact the arts and media section of the campus at which they want to apply for the dates for portfolio submission, drawing and interview and any additional portfolio requirements.

Modules
Core:
5362A	Interdisciplinary Drawing I
5362B	Interdisciplinary Drawing II
5481P	OH&S for the Artist
5487C	Exhibition Practice II
5499BA	Professional Practice for Artists I
5499C	Exhibition Practice I
7424C	Drawing, General
7530A	History/Theory Cultural Productions I
7530B	Professional Practice Presentation
7530C	Drawing From the Visible World II
7530E	Drawing the Human Figure
7531A	History/Theory Cultural Productions II
7531B	Digital Image Manipulation for Artists
Electives:	contact the campus for details

Applying and Enrolling:

Semester 1, 2009: TAFE NSW Statewide application form by 31 October 2008. Late applications will be accepted.

Campuses:

Great Lakes - Full-time, 18 hours (3 days) per week for 2 years (TAFE NSW application code: 075310731).
For more information contact the campus on (02) 6555 0600.

Kempsey - You need to have completed 90341NSW Certificate IV in Fine Arts to apply for this course.
Full-time, 3 days per week for 2 years, Tuesdays - Thursdays, 9.00 am - 3.30 pm. (TAFE NSW application code: 075310431)
or
Part-time day, 1 - 2 days per week, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and/or Thursdays, 9.00 am - 3.30 pm (TAFE NSW application code: 075310432).
For more information contact Geoff Maddams on (02) 6560 2900.

Lismore - Full-time, 18 hours per week for 36 weeks, Wednesdays - Fridays, 9.30 am to 4.00 pm.
Course related charge: $300.
Successful applicants will be required to present a portfolio at interview in early December 2008. Details will be advised in writing after the application closing date.
For more information contact the campus on (02) 6623 0200.
Information sheet, Lismore Campus, Semester 1 2009 (PDF 209KB)

This course gives you a specialised education in the fine arts and is for people who want to be practising artists or people who intend working in support of professionals in the visual arts industry.