Woven through its rich and vibrant history, the arts in Newfoundland and Labrador are an integral part of its culture. Performance, media, literary, visual and other arts enrich this province’s cultural heritage and contribute significantly to the economy. Studies in art and design promote creativity, flexibility, problem-solving, innovation, critical thinking and other invaluable skills needed in the world today. The Status of the Artist Act recognizes the important contribution professional artists make to the economic and social well-being of our province. Art also contributes to personal well-being. Studies show that art-making and design improve the health and well-being of an individual, and these areas are recognized for their tremendous benefits to individuals and society as a whole.
To remain on the leading edge of offering programs that are current and in demand, College of the North Atlantic is pleased to offer Art & Design Essentials, available both on campus and online through its Distributed Learning Services. Courses in this program will be accessible to students over a two-year period (2021-2022; 2022-2023). Students can choose to complete all 16 courses and receive the post-secondary educational credential of a Certificate in Art & Design Essentials or select courses that are of interest to them. For further information on Distributed Learning Service, please visit dls.cna.nl.ca.
Art & Design Essentials, developed in consultation with industry professions, provides an opportunity to explore a variety of disciplines in the arts. Courses include traditional practices in drawing, two and three-dimensional design, photography, color theory, art history, and the use of contemporary technologies for digital imaging, time-based media and webpage development. The study of portfolios and their design/function will assist with future application processes related to subsequent post-secondary programs, employment, awards, competitions and professional development within the arts.
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Apply design skills using traditional and digital technologies in art.
- Create a thematic series of artworks demonstrating sustained exploration of concepts and technical processes.
- Create a portfolio of artwork for application to specialized studies in art, media and design programs at the post-secondary level.
- Represent themselves and their artwork using effective oral and written communication skills.
- Utilize portfolio development as a continuous process of personal growth, reflection and self-assessment.
- Demonstrate knowledge of art history concepts and the development of contemporary art.
- Demonstrate professional practices that exhibit the entry-level entrepreneurial, innovative and collaborative skill sets that are not only necessary within either an independent or team-based environment but are also required for further study within post-secondary art, media and design programs.
- Develop effective networking and critical thinking skills necessary for working with professional affiliations within creative industries.
EMPLOYMENT AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
The Art & Design Essentials program prepares students for entry-level employment opportunities. For example, the following relates to the employment potential and possible opportunities available for students who complete the program:
Self-Employed Artist: All courses in the program help develop the creative, technical, communication and critical thinking skills required for the production of artwork as a self-employed artist.
Gallery Assistant: Through completing the Portfolio Development I and Portfolio Development II courses, students will develop skills for the evaluation and selection of artists’ proposals for exhibition. The Photography course will help students develop skills for the photo documentation of exhibitions in artist-run and commercial galleries.
Freelance Writing: Academic courses such as Writing Fundamentals and Writing for the Arts will help develop writing skills required for review of exhibitions. The Art History courses, Prehistory to Renaissance and Renaissance to 20
th Century, will enable students to assess and critique artwork as it relates to contemporary art practices. The E-Portfolio course will develop skills for webpage development and the use of blogs as a platform for writing art reviews.
Assistant for Community Festivals: Community festivals often incorporate an art and cultural component. Writing for the Arts develops skills for writing grant proposals for community-based festivals. Art History courses develop an understanding of the value of contemporary visual culture and the significance of art and craft as cultural artifacts of a community. The E-Portfolio course develops web page design skills for the promotion of community festivals.
Other Opportunities: The program also prepares students for future post-secondary studies in the areas of Arts/Applied Arts, Media and Design.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
1. High School
Provincial High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% average in nine level 3000 credits or equivalent.
2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition Certificate.
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business-Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile) with an average pass mark of 60%.
4. Mature Student Requirement
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements. For more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements, please refer to
Procedure AC-102-PR: Admission.
5. International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into regular programs. The College will accept these recognized tests of English language proficiency (TOEFL paper based 550, TOEFL Internet based 79, TOEFL computer based 213 or equivalent, IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 6.0, or Pearson PTE 53 or greater, etc.).
If a language proficiency test other than those referenced above was used, applicants can forward for assessment.
If an international applicant has attended an educational institution (high school or post-secondary) for a period of three years or more where the official language of instruction was English, the English language proficiency test will not be required.
Note: Some programs may require specific English language requirements and proficiency scores that differ from those stated above; therefore international applicants are advised to please refer to the specific program admission requirements as identified in the College Calendar.