GMIT Mayo has launched a new part-time honours art degree, one of only two level seven (honours ) part-time art courses offered by a third-level college in Ireland. The new Bachelor of Arts (honours ) in fine art is a two year add-on degree which comprises modules in painting and critical theory. It will be delivered in the Mayo campus in Castlebar one and a half days a week during the academic year, commencing September (2014 ). Graduates will be able to work as practitioners in the fields of painting or, subject to further specialisation and experience, in the fields of community arts, public art, arts administration, art and design education, curation, practice/theory based research, and careers linked to contemporary visual art and design culture.
The new honours art programme complements the level seven BA in contemporary art practices course, also recently launched in GMIT Mayo, which is delivered on a part-time basis over four academic years (one and a half days a week ), commencing every September. The Level 8 (honours ) programme has been welcomed by current art students and graduates of GMIT who are practising artists.
Mary Nestor, GMIT Mayo Lifelong Learning co-ordinator, says the new course has been in demand for some time, from graduates of the level seven course (ordinary degree ) as well as current art students who wish to go on and train to teach art or continue to further their knowledge and skills in postgraduate art disciplines. “We are delighted to offer this honours programme. Studying on a part-time basis allows people who have work or family commitments to engage with the intellectual and creative life of a college environment. It also provides a springboard for ideas, work practice, and opportunities that working in isolation may not afford.”
Westport-based, award-winning, artist Benita Stoney who graduated from GMIT Mayo with a degree in fine art in 2006, says the GMIT degree opened up all kinds of opportunities for her. “It made me aware of my place in the art world and has supplied me with the support and companionship of other artists. I am deeply grateful.”
Applications for the new honours programme (level eight ) and for the BA in contemporary art practices (level seven ) are directly to the college. Forms are available from the Lifelong Learning Office, GMIT Mayo, Westport Road, Castlebar, Co Mayo. A portfolio is required and interview will take place, closing date is Friday May 30.
