View programs
Learn art and design-related media, tools and techniques necessary to create a portfolio that demonstrates your creative and technical skills. Many graduates use their portfolios to prepare for competitive programs in fine arts, graphic design, animation and game development. Students learn productive habits of conceptualization through visual problem solving and experimentation using a wide range of media. You also develop visual communication skills, empowering you to think and respond critically to opportunities and responsibilities as an artist and/or designer, regardless of your chosen discipline.
Please note: A willingness to engage in the exploration and experimentation of the many art and design techniques and ideas presented is essential to your success in this program. If you wish to enter into a more advanced program after completing the Foundations in Art and Design program, you will be required to have senior level credit in mathematics (Grade 11). It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all the entrance requirements for advanced studies in art and design.
If you begin classes in January, you will start the Foundations in Art and Design program with the courses listed in Semester Two (below) and will be enrolled from January to April. You will follow the courses listed in Semester One starting in September and complete the Foundations in Art and Design program in December.
View full costs
View all courses
View all career options
905.721.3000
This program will introduce you to a broad range of art and design ideas and techniques. In two semesters, you will have an opportunity to investigate if you want to pursue further art and design studies and develop a career associated with art and design related disciplines.
You will be encouraged to explore and experiment with a variety of materials and contemporary art making techniques and design processes. In addition to exploring a range of practices in class, your project work will be used in the development of a portfolio. Are portfolio will permit you to gain entrance into a variety of advanced art and design focused programs.
This program maintains a working relationship with local public art galleries to provide you with opportunities to view regular exhibitions of professional creative work and showcase your own work at one of several exhibitions mounted during the second semester (e.g. annual Juried Art Show at Whitby’s Station Gallery).
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2023-2024 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes.
Graduates can transition directly into the second year of Durham College’s Fine Arts - Advanced program.
Two additional years of study are required to complete the program. Foundations in Art and Design graduates can also further their studies by applying to Durham College’s Graphic Design; Interactive Media Design; Contemporary Web Design; Advertising and Marketing Communications; Game-Art or Animation – Digital Production programs.
Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions.
Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
App Store
Google Play