Visual Arts
Diploma in Visual Arts
Colour outside the lines.
We help you shape your life as an artist.
Would you like to learn graphic design, ceramics, sculpture, performance art, animation, photography, drawing, painting, printmaking, video and film and more? You'll get a bit of everything in this studio immersion Visual Arts program, where you'll learn a variety of exploratory and technical skills using an interdisciplinary approach. In this two-year, hands-on program, you'll explore the role of the artist in contemporary culture by spending time in the studios as well as the classroom.
Hands-on learning
Your teachers and technicians are all professional artists who foster a spirit of creative thinking and experimentation. In your first year of study, you'll work though an intensive foundation of exploration and design intended to promote disciplined inquiry, experimentation, vocabulary, skill, critical awareness and an openness of mind.
As the program progresses, you will continue exploration and design with particular emphasis directed towards contemporary concepts and media, and you are also obligated to establish an in-depth program of personal research.
Part-time studies in Visual Arts
In addition to the full-time diploma program, the Visual Arts department also offers a variety of art courses that can be taken part-time through the University Transfer program. These courses are popular choices for personal development or as a transferable arts elective, or while you're waiting to get into the full-time program.
Where can you work?
As a graduate of the Visual Arts program you will leave with broad knowledge, skills and abilities suitable to work in various fields. Our graduates have many roles, including:
- self-employed practicing artist
- designer (industrial, interior, graphic, gaming, web, fashion, textile, narrative etc)
- animator & special effects
- art teacher & professor
- illustrator
- scenographer (set designer)
- storyboard artist
- concept artist
- art therapist
- hair stylist
- museum and gallery personnel
- printmaker
- art historian & curator
- filmmakers and film technician; assistant director
- ceramicist
- photographer
- photo technician
- ornamental iron work
- landscape designer
- fine furnishing
Visual Arts
- Credential
- Diploma
- Length
- Two years
- Study Options
- Full-time only
- Start
- Fall
- Campus
- Lansdowne
- School
- Arts & Science
After graduation
At the conclusion of the program, you'll have a portfolio that illustrates your competence and achievement to prospective clients, employers, granting agencies and institutes of advanced study.
Your Visual Arts diploma can open doors to employment opportunities, and into further education. Past graduates have successfully transferred into third-year studies at universities and art colleges, and have successful art showings around the globe. Consult with an Academic Advisor or the Visual Arts department to learn more.
Residencies
As a Visual Arts student, you'll benefit from the presence of experienced artists through the Camosun Artist in Residency program. Established in 2009, the program provides the time and space for the artist to research new ideas and experiment with different techniques and means of production.
New to 2018, is the Indigenous Artist in Residence program (i-AIR), an experiential opportunity for Indigenous artists to grow their art practice and engage in community-based activities in a supportive environment.
Camosun also offers a Van den Brink Residency program to a second-year student or recent graduate of the Visual Arts program who is strongly self-motivated, shows creativity and who fosters community spirit.
Related links
- Arts & Science Programs & Subjects
- Comics & Graphic Novels
- Arts and Science Studies
- University Transfer - look at Art and Art History for electives
