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Ministry-approved title: Art Fundamentals
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.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
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This program will introduce you to a broad range of art and design ideas and techniques. In two semesters, you will learn if you want to pursue further studies or a career in art and design.
You will be encouraged to explore and experiment with a variety of materials and contemporary art making techniques and design processes. Our studios are purpose-built for fine arts learning, and courses are taught by a combination of practicing artists, professional illustrators and designers who actively exhibit and work in the industry.
In addition to exploring a range of practices in class, your project work will be used in the development of a portfolio that can help you 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. You can also showcase your own work at annual public exhibitions (juried by professionals) at Robert McLaughlin Gallery in Oshawa, The Station Gallery in Whitby, The Visual Arts Centre in Clarington and via associated exhibition web sites.
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, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
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 Promotion; 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.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
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