We are excited to announce a proposed new vison for Visual Arts at Queen's University. We've re-imagined our well known BFA, while developing new Bachelor of Arts Honours (BAH), and Minor in Visual Arts degrees. These nested and mutually supporting programs provide versatility and flexibility for our students. By partnering with other creative arts departments, these proposed plans offer an exciting suite of courses, in alignment with Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenization (EDII) metrics, ensuring that all students feel empowered to question, learn and explore in a supportive studio environment.
Whether deeply passionate or simply curious, students can engage in depth and/or breadth in visual arts. Students will be able to choose new Visual Arts programs as a Specialization, Major, or Minor. Our Specialization (BFA) offers the most intensive visual arts plan, with a suite of courses ranging from drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture to cutting-edge research, curatorial, digital and time-based media practices, culminating in a fourth-year capstone course leading to an annual public exhibition. Additionally, a five-year concurrent BFA/BEd or BAH/BEd is available. Offering varying levels of focus in a broad array of visual arts, these programs empower students to integrate their interests with other disciplines across the Faculty of Arts and Science (including, but not limited to, Art History, Drama, Film and Media, and Music).
Students will immerse themselves in a rich learning environment supported by faculty who are leading artists in their fields, and access to internationally recognized art collections and programming at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, the Isabel Bader Centre for Performing Arts, and the Union Gallery, providing a broad range of opportunities, including internships, work-study, gallery and museums roles, and curatorial and exhibition opportunities.
The curriculum is enriched by the Koerner Artist-in-Residence program, which provides a two-week mentorship with internationally acclaimed artists. Visual Arts field trips include a four-day excursion to New York City and the Venice Summer School (ARTH 380) at the Venice Biennale.
This innovative re-imagination of Visual Arts at Queen's equips students with knowledge, experiences, and networks needed to excel in studio-based practices, visual arts education accreditation, professional careers as cultural leaders, or arts appreciation more broadly.
Expand the boxes below to explore the proposed degree plans. We are collecting feedback through May. Feel free to use the email tool to leave comments, or email artsci.nelson@queensu.ca.