City Lit fine art: year 2

What is the course about?

This course will enable you to develop and utilise the studio skills and abilities in critical reflection you will jave acquired in year 1. It provides a framework to identify and develop a self-motivated fine art project in different media or media combinations. In Year 2 you will be required to reflect on previous successes to propose and produce a personal creative project consisting of a cohesive body of refined artwork that is ready for exhibition. The three terms that constitute the VM552 course will be used to reflect the trajectory of a simple creative project, from an initial emphasis on creative Research and Development, to Refinement and Production in term 2 through to Completion and Presentation in term 3. Your personal creative work will develop within an environment of self-directed studio activity, contextual discussions, tutor advice and feedback and evaluation of work in progress.

What will we cover?

There will be a research-based focus to help you define the starting point for your creative work. Thereafter you will be able to develop an individual creative project through negotiation and regular communication with your tutors. Some studio sessions may offer focus on specific media areas and all sessions will offer you the chance to develop your artwork through self-directed creative activities. Some art history and contextual studies are integral to the programme, and you will be asked to consider relevant relationships of theory to your practice. Students participate in a final group exhibition, which is aimed at giving everyone the learning experience of collaboration, planning, organising, installing, and promoting a group exhibition.
This course emphasises contemporary art practice and ongoing debate. As such you can expect to be stimulated and sometimes challenged by some of the ideas and methods discussed.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- identify, develop and produce a cohesive body of personal artwork
- become increasingly adept at assessing your own progress and results.
- relate your work to relevant aspects of contemporary fine art practice
- recognise and engage with issues related to the presentation and exhibition of artwork.
- produce work in a self-motivated manner and articulate the intentions and contexts relevant to this.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

It is recommended that applicants to this course will have completed the Year 1 of the City Lit Fine Art course,
or have equivalent experience from similar courses, and are keen to produce new self-motivated creative work. Informal interviews and portfolio reviews are arranged for applicants from external courses. Students completing year 1 (VM551) can progress onto Year 2 via discussion with course tutors.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be expected to respond individually to the programme, while working closely with the tutors and each other. Learning will include studio production sessions, seminars, group critiques, collaborative exercises, lectures, tutorials and gallery visits. Some course preparation, reading, visiting exhibitions and making work in your own time will be required. Any such personal time spend reviewing, researching, developing creative work, writing up notes, reading etc, will enhance your experience of the course and contribute to your progress and success….

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Some basic materials are supplied in studio sessions, but students will be required to buy specialist items.
Ongoing advice will be available from tutors. The end-of-year group exhibition of your work is likely to involve some extra cost.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

After completing year 2 students can progress on to year 3, where they can further refine and enhance their personal artistic practice, develop work for external exhibition, and benefit from focussed teaching of professional practice. This might include information in making arts funding applications, finding external exhibition opportunities or projects, forging relationships with external organisations, and/or developing a personal online presence. Year 2 students might also choose to apply to study Fine Art at MA level as appropriate, or focus on the development of their practice in a different context, for example setting up a studio or exhibition space etc.
Advice and support can be given on a range of progression options that support the development of professional understanding and a personal creative practice.