GMIT is offering a new four-year part-time BA degree in contemporary art practices in its Mayo campus, commencing next January (2014 ).
The new Level 7 programme will be delivered over one full day and one evening class a week, incorporating a summer school and online learning, over four years. Students will have the option of gaining a Higher Certificate exit award (Level 6 ) after two and a half years.
The new degree integrates the three strands of fine art, community engagement, and the creative industries together with a theoretical understanding of contemporary art, rooted in the rural context of the west of Ireland. It builds on the success of the existing part-time BA in art and design programme which has been delivered in the Mayo campus since 2006, producing 78 graduates, many of whom have won both national and international awards and pursued careers and further studies in the visual arts.
“The flexible delivery mode, its integration of several strands of contemporary art practice, and the focus on art-making in a rural context will make it a unique, innovative, and exciting course,” explained Dr Deirdre Garvey, co-ordinator of GMIT Mayo campus Lifelong Learning.
“It will explore fine art techniques in the studio located in St Mary’s Hall on campus, a fabulous light-filled space at the heart of the historical building,” added Ms Garvey.
The programme will focus on traditional skills of drawing, painting, and print-making, complemented by studies in art history, contemporary art theory, and an introduction to sociology and psychology. Students will also be introduced to computing skills, social media, and the digital manipulation of images which they will be encouraged to develop as part of their studio work.
Graduates can expect to build careers as fine artists working mainly in community settings, including public art commissions, or working in arts-based community development, heritage and cultural tourism sectors, curation, working in museums, arts centres, and festival organisation.
Applications for this programme are made directly to the institute using the Direct Mature Application Form which is available from the GMIT website at http://www.gmit.ie/apply-to-gmit/direct/index.html
Completed application forms are to be returned to Lifelong Learning, GMIT Mayo Campus, Westport Road, Castlebar, Co Mayo, by September 30 for entry to first year, starting in January 2014. Applications are open to students who have previously deferred their studies in art and design at GMIT or any third-level institute. Applicants will be invited for interview and are assessed on their portfolio.
