Art is a universal form of expression. It contributes to our visual and cultural awareness, to visual communication and to diversity in the private and public environments. As a medium of culture, art is given meaning through personal expression and interpretation and thus takes on cultural meaning. This is what makes art a professional craft embodied in the artist.
Art has changed radically over the last decades in terms of media, methodology and materials. Many dividing lines have blurred, those between "high" en "low" culture for example and between autonomous and applied works. Further, artists have now acquired the role of multi-facetted cultural entrepreneur.
Changes are also clearly visible in the exhibiting of the work. Apart from the traditional environments such as museums and galleries, there are now countless platforms - some of which are very influential. These include festivals, biennales, artists' initiatives and digital environments.
Artists are continuously entering new territories in order to connect themselves and their work to society. They define their own areas of interest and demonstrate their understanding of their position at the heart of societal development and at the dynamic centre of image culture worldwide.
What will you learn at the academy?
You will develop your visual skills through multi-dimensional training in all aspects of the profession. These include artistic research, concept development, technical skills, communication and presentation, and entrepreneurial skills in the arts. You will also study theory and acquire research skills that will enable you to delve into the treasures of art history and to make connections to current discourse in the arts. By doing projects every term which cover all the facets of the profession, you learn to collaborate with others, and to organise and document your activities. You will design a personal artistic plan and will develop its content and structure with your tutors. Your focus will be on the international aspects of the profession, on current practices or on the continuation of your studies at master level. You will also learn to work in the public space and to work with the multitude of new possibilities that digital technology offers. During the final phase of your study programme, you will apply your professional knowledge to areas of research drawn from current developments in culture and society. You will select a graduation specialisation from one of three areas of practice on which to concentrate during your study: autonomous, social or commercial practice.
This study programme is demanding. Apart from talent and a great affinity with various forms of visual expression, it requires a feeling for tradition and the daring to experiment. International work experience and training can be gained through exchanges with Berlin, Marseille or Vancouver, for example. After your study programme, you can move onto a master degree such as the master of Fine Art at the Piet Zwart Institute.
View the full programme Fine art on the WdKA website.
