Contemporary fine art: year 2

What is the course about?

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 work that is ready for public exhibition. The three terms that constitute this course will be briefed 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.
 

Core teaching is delivered each Tuesday in the City Lit art studios between 10 and 5pm. (Some sessions such as gallery visits may run on other days and will be negotiated in advance.)

What will we cover?

There will be a creative research-based focus to help you identify a starting point for your artwork. Thereafter, you will develop an individual creative project through negotiation with your tutors. Some studio sessions may offer focus on specific media processes, and all sessions will offer you the chance to develop your artwork through self-directed creative activities.

CFA2 includes the opportunity for development of specialist skills through elective modules* in which you attend courses at City Lit that support your creative development in specialist forms/media.

Year 2 students also benefit a focus on professional practice. Sessions might include making arts funding applications, finding external exhibition opportunities, relationships with external organisations, or developing a personal online presence. These include external sessions run by partner institutions such as Standpoint Galley.

Some contextual studies sessions are integral to the programme, and you will be asked to consider relevant relationships of theory to your practice. The 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.

The completion and exhibition of the group’s creative achievements is an important part of this year 2 course. There will be an opportunity to learn about organising a group show in a gallery towards the end of this course. This is a challenging, confidence-building collaborative exercise that forms the culmination of year 2. It is designed to increase understanding of how your work will function in different situations and to encourage you to take a professional approach to making and showing work that will continue beyond the duration of this course

* Elective workshops and external sessions will run on days other than those timetabled for CFA and will be subject to availability. 

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 in various media
• 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 in a group exhibition
• 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?

CFA is an advanced practice course. It is recommended that applicants to year 2 of this course will have already completed year 1, or have equivalent experience from similar courses, and are keen to produce new creative work in a self-motivated manner. Informal interviews and portfolio reviews are arranged for applicants from external courses. Students completing year 1 (VM551).
 

Self-reflection is an important part of art education and practice. You will be encouraged and expected to evaluate and review your own learning, ways of working and progress. As a student on an advanced course, you should also be prepared to engage positively with concepts, debates and methods that may differ from those with which you are familiar.

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

You will be expected to respond to the programme with a self-motivated approach to your creative work, communicating regularly with the tutors and each other. Learning will include studio production sessions, seminars, group critiques, collaborative exercises, tutorials, notetaking and gallery visits. Some course preparation, reading, visiting exhibitions and developing work in your own time will be required. Any such personal time spend reviewing, researching, developing new ideas, 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?

Basic materials are supplied in studio, but students will be required to buy any specialist items they require, as appropriate to their developing practice. The end of year exhibition can be expected to have some additional cost in preparing artwork for exhibition and the organising of an opening event for public attendance.

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

Students who have previously completed the CFA course have progressed to study Fine Art at MA or MPhil level in such institutions as the RCA, UAL and City and Guild School of Art, some choose to focus on the development of their practice in different contexts, for example setting up a studio or exhibition space or finding public art commissions etc.  Others, who first began to collaborate on the course, continue to work together in artists collectives, organising various exhibitions and events in the UK and abroad. Our Centre for Advanced Practice provides appropriate advanced destinations for completing CFA 2 students who wish to remain at City Lit, for example Developing art practice (VM563) or Contemporary practice: personal project (VM676).

Advice and support can be given on a range of progression options that support the development of professional understanding and a personal creative practice