Visual Art Program - Strengths and Weaknesses

Transcription

1 PROGRAM REVIEW VISUAL ART DEPARTMENT FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES DEPARTMENTAL SELF STUDY Chair, Program Review Process: Justin McGrail, Ph.D Visual Art Committee: Pamela Speight, Ellen McCluskey, Gregory Ball, Jane Cole Self Study Report written by Justin McGrail, Ph.D October

2 CONTENTS VISUAL ART DEPARTMENT SELF STUDY... 3 Program Profile and Background... 3 Program Goals and Evaluation... 4 Curriculum Development... 6 Recommendations... 9 Appendix One: Engagement and Collaboration

3 VISUAL ART DEPARTMENT SELF STUDY PROGRAM PROFILE AND BACKGROUND Visual Art is the largest of three programs within the Department of Art & Design on the Nanaimo campus of Vancouver Island University. For over forty years, the Visual Art Program has offered studio and academic training for undergraduates in Arts and Humanities, and other faculties, along with courses in art history and museum studies. The goal of the program is to prepare students for future careers in contemporary culture, as visual artists, designers, technicians, educators, teachers, critics, curators, and museum workers. Visual Art students study a range of studio disciplines, with instruction in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, ceramics, and digital media. The curriculum is a balance of rigorous art and design fundamentals, and creative and technical experimentation. Art history, practical issues in two and three dimensional media, and free languages of expression have long been integral aspects of the program. All classes, studio demonstrations, and exercises are delivered face-to-face in Building 325, which features multiple teaching-studios, classrooms, computer labs, specialized rooms (wet dark room, printing pressroom, ceramics studio and kilns), and a tool workshop. The Department of Art and Design is proud of its dynamic and experienced faculty of professional artists and academics, and their solid reputation for teaching excellence. In Spring 2012, the Visual Art Program had 5.50 FTE regular faculty members and 1.00 FTE technicians.1 All program faculty pursue their own studio practices, exhibiting in public and private galleries on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, as well as presenting new works bi-annually in a curated faculty exhibition at the Nanaimo Art Gallery. Academic faculty are similarly engaged in research and publishing, attending conferences, giving public presentations, as well as participating in campus events such as the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Colloquium Series. Current faculty Gregory Ball, Ellen McCluskey, Jane Cole, Jason Gress, and Pamela Speight all have MFA s from Universities in Canada or the United States. Art historian Justin McGrail has a Ph.D. from the University of Victoria, and technician Scott Leaf has a BFA from NSCAD. Visual Art courses have been offered at Malaspina University-College/VIU since its inception in Today the program comprises three academic streams: the Visual Art Diploma; the BA Minor in Visual Art; the BFA Transfer. In , 121 students were enrolled in the three program streams recognized by VIU's Student Records System (SRS): twelve in Visual Arts Transfer; 56 in the Diploma; and, 43 in the Minor program. 2 These numbers account only for those students who have declared as Visual Art students. As noted in the Program Data and Analysis Report, the Visual Art Program attracts a high number of casual students, being those who have not declared a Visual Art goal or who 1 Visual Art Program Data and Analysis Report (Office of University Planning and Analysis, Vancouver Island University, 2012), Ibid. 3

4 study visual art as an elective. In the same sample year of , the total number of students taking Visual Art courses was As discussed below, Visual Art faculty, with institutional support, are working to respond to the gap between the numbers of Visual Art students and the numbers of students in Visual Art courses by encouraging students to declare Visual Art goals, and by proposing a new program stream in the form of a BA Major in Visual Art. The Visual Art Program is a popular and highly visible presence on campus. Public performances, curated exhibitions, and special events organized by faculty and students add vibrancy to campus life, and to the perspectives of all VIU students. Visual Art has a rich history on campus, collaborating with other university areas, including the Nanaimo Art Gallery, Faculty of Education, International Education, and the departments of Digital Media, Theatre, and English/Creative Writing. 4 Members of faculty rotate as the Curator of the Nanaimo Art Gallery, providing a link between our students and professional visual artists, whose exhibitions and artist talks on campus are regularly incorporated into course content and assignments. The program also shares the Art Technician, along with classrooms, facilities, and equipment, with the Education Department, whose visual art courses are offered in Building 325. The Visual Art program has been involved in community activities through the Milner Gardens, summer activities at the Nanaimo Art Gallery, Nanaimo Arts Council, local businesses, and the Port Theatre. PROGRAM GOALS AND EVALUATION The goal of the Visual Art Program is to prepare students, through specialized studio and academic training, for careers within the broad spectrum of contemporary visual culture, as visual artists, designers, technicians, educators, curators, and museum workers. It is the purpose of this section of the Self Study to consider: how successful the Program has been in achieving these goals; the identified strengths and weaknesses of the program; and, areas for reconsideration and/or improvement. Information in these sections is derived from the Student Survey (2011), the Program Data and Analysis Report (2012), and the Visual Art Summative Assessment Report (2012). Student satisfaction with the Visual Art Program is high. As described in the Program Data and Analysis Report, students are very positive about the program and faculty. For example, based on course outlines, 91% of student respondents expressed satisfaction with curriculum and faculty expectations in terms of content, feedback, grading methods, and delivery. A similar percentage of students were satisfied with the quality of faculty expertise (91%) and faculty availability outside of class (90%). Students are also very enthusiastic about the undergraduate experience at VIU and morale in the program. Students responded with high levels of satisfaction regarding VIU as welcoming (90%), and as a place for intellectual and personal growth (93%), where diversity is respected (89%), and small class sizes enhance the learning atmosphere (80%). 3 Ibid. 4 See Appendix One for details on campus and community engagement and collaboration. 4

5 It should be noted that the student response rate for the survey portion of the Program Review, at 170/393 (43%), was one of the highest ever for a program review at VIU; and, that 86% identified the morale of students in Visual Art courses as good. In terms of demographics, the survey revealed that institutional satisfaction is high among students aged (91% satisfied), but lower for students aged 51 and above (68%). In part of the Student Survey, respondents identified the teaching strengths and weaknesses of the Visual Art Program in terms of general skills associated with postsecondary education, and specific skills associated with the program. The program excels in the teaching of the following: thinking creatively and flexibly to solve problems; independent learning; analyzing information and thinking critically. 5 As noted in the Program Data and Analysis Report, student satisfaction in these categories exceeded the VIU Degree average by a considerable margin: thinking creatively and flexibly to solve problems (90%); independent learning (86%); analyzing information and thinking critically (84%). One additional taught general skill ( resolving issues or problems ) is noteworthy; student satisfaction, at 72%, is eleven percentage points above the VIU Degree average. 6 These identified general skills, when considered alongside the art-specific skills taught in studio, highlight the program s success in creating a balanced and critical learning environment for VIU students. Students also identified weaknesses in the program objective, involvement in the departmental affairs, the teaching of some general skills, and employment outcomes. For example, only 65% of student respondents agreed that the program objective was effectively made clear to them, and only 62% of the students felt the program objective was clearly being achieved through curriculum. 7 63% of respondents agreed the Visual Art Program provided opportunities for student involvement in departmental affairs and operation. Four general skills rated low on the survey, in the weakness zone: use of mathematics appropriate to field (32%); use of technology, hardware, software (58%); speaking effectively (55%); and, writing clearly and concisely (56%). 8 The program aims to address these skill weaknesses, especially writing clearly and concisely, with the proposed BA Major in Visual Art. In the area of employment outcomes, 40% of students agreed the program was useful for performing a job; 33% of students agreed the program was useful for finding a job. The evaluations provided in the Student Survey and the Program Data and Analysis Report have highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the Visual Art Program from the student perspective. When considered alongside the institutional perspective, as represented in the Visual Art Summative Assessment Report, the survey provides a clear picture of the Visual Art Program s effectiveness, and the areas for improvement and future development. 5 Visual Art Program Data and Analysis Report (Office of University Planning and Analysis, Vancouver Island University, 2012), Ibid, Ibid, 6. 8 Ibid. 5

6 CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT The Visual Art Program is researching and developing new course ideas and program expansion to build on its strengths and to respond to the identified weaknesses in the current offerings and program objectives. The two most significant initiatives being currently pursued are: a First Nations Visual Art Studio course; and, a BA Major in Visual Art. Program Initiatives: First Nations Visual Art Studio Course The idea of developing and offering a studio course in First Nations art has been in circulation for a few years on campus. With the encouragement of the Dean of Arts and Humanities, and the Office of the Vice-President Academic, exploratory discussions have begun with faculty members of First Nations Studies and the Visual Art Program to consider collaborating on the creation and operation of such a course. The following terms of reference have been agreed to by faculty. Any proposed course would: be on First Nations art and art-making techniques; be a collaborative effort by First Nations Studies and the Visual Art Program, supported by the Dean of Arts and Humanities; to be taught by a First Nations artist possessing both traditional knowledge and skills in North West Coast art and an MFA or equivalent with a strong knowledge of contemporary art issues. The course should provide for both First Nations students interested in traditional forms and for other students seeking to increase their knowledge of aboriginal art. Members of both programs have expressed interest in collaboration. Visual Art proposes to adjust single sections of foundation courses (2D-Design Arts 102 and 3D-Design Arts 121) to an aboriginal focus, and to develop a cultural studies course in visual arts in West Coast First Nations Art. With the support of the Office of the Vice-President Academic (VPA), and the Office of the Dean of Arts and Humanities, faculty are currently developing, in consultation with First Nations Studies, and Aboriginal Education, a First Nations Artist-in- Residence program for the Nanaimo campus. Program Initiatives: BA Major in Visual Art The Visual Art Program and the Department of Art and Design are currently proposing a BA Major in Visual Art. The BA Major will offer a balance of instructional disciplines that provide a well-rounded education for our graduates. The goal is to provide specialized studio and academic training for a broad variety of careers or further graduate study. The proposed degree will aim to enhance the technical skills and studio time currently on offer; to expand the academic breath of visual art students; to facilitate a greater retention of students within both the Program and at VIU; to respond to student demand for an 6

7 enhanced four-year degree 9 ; to broaden regional access to visual art courses. The proposed degree meets with institutional and ministry goals, by equipping students with intensive training in visual art, and a broadened understanding of art in the contemporary world. A BA Major at VIU would provide a unique degree opportunity for students. Such a degree would provide access for a large number of students in the Mid- and North- Vancouver Island region who wish to pursue specialized studio and academic training in Visual Art in combination with a Liberal Arts education. The Major also has the potential to attract students from the South Island and Mainland, as well as from national and international locales, as there is only one other institution in the province (UBC) offering the degree. In the program, students will develop their creative and visual literacy skills through intensive studio work within historical, theoretical, and conceptual contexts. A Major degree will enable students to pursue a wide range of careers within the broad spectrum of contemporary visual culture. Courses offered within the degree would be integral in students training as visual artists, designers, technicians, educators, teachers, critics, curators, and museum workers. Interested students could also transfer into graduate programs in Visual Art or Education. Course delivery methods appropriate to specific learning outcomes and course objectives include lectures, seminars, studio sessions, workshops, class discussions and critiques, presentations, individual and collaborative research, directed study projects, and on-line instruction. Experience in museum and curatorial work exists on campus through an affiliation with the Nanaimo Art Gallery. The program would also include compulsory and optional field trips to art galleries and museums, in large urban centres nationally and internationally, as well as guest lectures and critiques by visiting artists, curators, and art historians. Among the resources that characterize the BA Major in Visual Art, this degree has the ability to offer advanced studies in all studio areas. For instance, VIU has the largest and best-equipped printmaking studio facility on Vancouver Island, offering the only advanced printmaking program in the region. In addition, we have a well-resourced ceramics facility. A BA Major would also provide opportunities for international learning as Visual Art continues to attract growing numbers of international students. Additionally, through collaboration with the Study Abroad program, the Visual Art program has provided study abroad opportunities for its students in major art centres such as New York, London, Paris, Rome, Athens, and other European cities. The Visual Art program at VIU aims to provide students in years one and two with strong technical and conceptual skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and photography. In third and fourth year, the approach broadens to allow a multi-disciplinary focus on contemporary art making. The curriculum of the BA Major in Visual Art is designed with primary emphasis on art-making, cultural studies, art theory, and art history in order for students to learn conceptual bases for the practice of art in historical and contemporary contexts. Additionally, the degree option would strengthen student employment or postgraduate study opportunities by delivering a program of study that 9 From Visual Art Program Data and Analysis Report:: About one-third of students (32%) go on to another program after VIU; mostly BFA programs. Many comments expressed regret or frustration that VIU does not provide a Visual Arts BFA. 7

8 offers a blend of academic and studio courses that incorporate work experience components relevant to a student s career goals. The proposed Bachelor of Arts, Major in Visual Art degree program is designed to: Deliver an integrated theoretical and practical studio art program that engages students individually and collectively while encouraging critical thinking; Provide a focus on contemporary art-making within a context of cultural and critical theory, identity and globalization; Encourage students to develop self-promotion, communication and organizational skills; Provide international study opportunities through a continuing collaboration between Visual Art faculty and International Education; Begin expanding visual art offerings in specific courses by providing relevant aboriginal studio art and cultural studies components. This includes an initiative to create a First Nations Artist-in-Residence program at VIU; Meet the need for visual artists to be knowledgeable in all professional areas related to art practice and career preparation including small business management, technological change, career promotion, and marketing; Increase access for students who wish to obtain a Bachelor s degree in visual art at VIU; Capture and retain the large number of students who transfer to other institutions to obtain a more in-depth concentration in visual art; Address the increasing number of retiring art teachers in school districts and the need for art teachers overseas, by giving students the ability to gain the necessary discipline-based expertise for proceeding into the Bachelor of Education Post Baccalaureate Degree program; Implementation of an First Nations Artist-in-Residence program commencing Spring 2013; Provide skills that can be transferred into the broader creative economy, including arts administration, heritage work, publishing and journalism, architecture and interior design consulting, design and advertising, and film production. The implementation of a BA Major in Visual Art would make the program the foremost destination on Vancouver Island for art students interested in a liberal arts/studio degree. The 2012 Summative Program Assessment for the BA Minor in Visual Art demonstrates a clear pattern of retention. The student survey that was part of that process asked students to identify their most significant reasons for choosing the Visual Art program at VIU. The most-often mentioned reason for attending was VIU s location within the region where the students live (80% of those surveyed). The top strength of the Visual Art program was found to be our instructors (68% of those surveyed). A student survey, conducted in all art classes in November 2004, strongly supported the introduction of a BA Major in Visual Art, with these results: 70% of surveyed students stated they would opt to complete their degree at Malaspina University-College/VIU; 81% of students felt issues of accessing education locally were a priority, with 66% not being able to relocate for the purpose of completing their education. For a number of years the Provincial Fine Arts Articulation 8

9 Group has stated that there is a significant need for increased spaces in visual art in the British Columbia system and that currently large numbers of applicants to Visual Art Bachelor's Degree programs are being turned away across the Province. A BA Major at VIU would provide an alternative for those students while serving, in particular, regional students who are unable to access other institutions. Doubling of student numbers in the BA Minor in Visual Art over the past few years supports projected demand and growth for degree programs. Additionally, it is worth noting that the BA Minor in Visual Art has consistently had the largest enrolment of any Minor in VIU s BA programming. RECOMMENDATIONS Visual Art should proceed with the development and implementation of a BA Major in Visual Art Visual Art should proceed with the collaborative development and operation of a First Nations Artist-in-Residence Program with First Nations Studies and Aboriginal Education Visual Art should continue to collaborate with other departments and campus areas in areas of both curriculum development and special events Visual Art Faculty examine its current rotation of classes, in order to ensure the most in demand courses are being regularly scheduled with the appropriate number of sections Visual Art Faculty work to communicate Program objectives to students with greater clarity, and to ensure that course curriculum and delivery matches with declared program goals Visual Art Faculty consider and implement ways to address those general skills identified as weaknesses in curriculum, such as by changing assignments to put greater emphasis on numeric and written skills, by incorporating more presentation exercises, and by offering more academic courses through the BA Major Visual Art work with Advising and the Campus Career Centre to better identify employment paths and opportunities for Visual Art Students Visual Art work with VIU Media and Communications to further enhance its community profile and recruitment strategies, especially on Vancouver Island Visual Art seek opportunities for greater student involvement in the Department, such as by collaborating with Art and Design Club in special events and exhibitions 9

10 APPENDIX ONE: ENGAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION The Visual Art Program has a rich history of engagement and collaboration with various departments and areas on campus, and with the community of Nanaimo. Campus: Collaboration Department of Digital Media Technologies: An integral relationship has developed with Digital Media technologies. DMT currently services DIGI 110 for the Visual and Applied Arts Programs, Applied Graphics students have the option to ladder into the DMT program, and DMT is scheduled to service a number of courses in the proposed Art and Design four year degree programs. The DMT Mac Lab and limited supervised lab instruction is available to students who have completed DIGI 110 and Arts courses with DIGI 110 prerequisites. DMT is also slated to share some facilities with VAA in the building adjacent to Building 325 as part of the proposed Western Campus Development Plan. Department of Theatre: Collaborative Visual Art student projects include building props, designing and producing posters, for campus theatrical productions. Department of English / Creative Writing: Required course delivery for all Art & Design programs. Collaboration on content and creative projects between Art & Design and English/Creative Writing courses, e.g. assigned student contribution to production of Portal literary magazine cover, and Applied Graphics Visual Poetry project. International Education: Development and delivery of International Study Abroad program (European Art Tour, New York City field-trips, Cultural Contact Zone: Poland)) for studio, and Art History, course credits. Internationalizing of curriculum to accommodate the increasing percentage of international students enrolled in Visual Art classes. Faculty of Education: sharing of Art Technician, classrooms, facilities, and equipment within Building 325; programming collaboration. Campus: Engagement Use of specialized art facilities, equipment, and technical support by various VIU departments, e.g. Education, Continuing Education, the International High School. Execution of interior, and landscaping, design projects for various campus buildings and facilities such as design proposals for the Arbutus Room. Overseeing of purchase, curating, and storing of VIU s permanent collection, including the Lambert Ceramics collection permanently displayed in the Library. Provision and maintenance of student, and faculty, work for exhibition in Library, Theatre, Music, Arts and Humanities, Administration, International Education, Culinary Arts, and other areas. Collaborative development of juried exhibition program for library. 10

11 Community Engagement Life Drawing Organized and operated by our student Art and Design Club, Life Drawing sessions run weekly during both semesters, and are open to (and extremely popular with) community members Visual Artist Talk Series Coordinated by Visual Art Faculty, the Artist Talk Series brings established regional and national artists to VIU s Nanaimo campus to present their work and ideas to students and community members. Field Schools Along with serving students and International Education, the Visual Art Program s Field Schools include provisions for the inclusion of non-students and interested community members. Milner Gardens Visual Art students present original works each summer as part of Milner Garden s Annual Photography and Painting Exhibition and Sale. Student Art Sale Visual Art Faculty and the Art and Design Club annually present the Student Art Sale in December, which 11