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Fine Art
Diploma in Art and Contemporary Crafts
Duration: eight three-day intensive blocks of study taken each academic year
The West Dean College Diploma in Art and Contemporary Crafts is a two year part-time programme delivered through intensive study blocks throughout the year, through attending short courses to develop skills and through independent study outside attendance at the College. The programme is focused on developing skills essential to the successful development of a sustainable studio practice, both practical and contextual.
You can work across disciplines or choose to specialise in areas such as Painting and Drawing, Sculpture, Printmaking, Textiles, Ceramics, Wood, Metal and Jewellery. This course is designed to provide further development for students completing the Foundation Diploma and wishing to progress to professional practice as an artist or to the Graduate Diploma in Visual Arts at West Dean.
Programme Content
The curriculum is delivered through eight three-day intensive blocks of study taken each year, attendance of short courses, further self-directed study blocks in the dedicated studio space and monthly tutorials with specialist tutors. Course modules cover a programme of critical, practical and theoretical studies across the broad field of contemporary arts and crafts.
Visiting tutors from different specialisms will support students in the development of their skills. Residential modules are supported by selfdirected study offsite and written assignments.
Programme Structure - Year one
Programme Structure - Year One.
Programme Structure - Year Two
Programme Structure -Year two
Entry Requirments and Fees
The following qualifications will be considered for entry to the Diploma in Art and Contemporary Crafts:
West Dean Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (FDAD).
Level 3 Arts Foundation course or equivalent.
Portfolio: presenting a concise overview of the development and
current focus of your practice, including sketchbooks, journals,
documentation and an example of written work.
Tuition Fees: £4,800 Per Year.
Tutors
Alison Baxter - Programme Co-ordinator
Alison Baxter gained a BA in jewellery at Middlesex University in jewellery and an MA in textiles at UCA Farnham. She is Programme tutor for the FDAD and Head of School of Arts at West Dean College.
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Freya trained at Edinburgh College of Art and UAL and teach at GOSH, V&A and as a lecturer. My drawings have been shown in the RSA, Mall Galleries, Art Below for Frieze, James Freeman Gallery and others. My work is held in the V&A, British Museum, RSA and NOA collections.
Mark had an eclectic training which has influenced his broad range of media and working processes. He is particularly interested in colour and markmaking which he has explored in glass, textile, printed books, murals and traditional materials.
Frances completed a post- graduate teachers' training course at Goldsmiths' College and an MA in Printmaking at Wimbledon School of Art. Frances works on location with local materials and water based paints.
Louisa Taylor studied at Bath Spa University and the Royal College of Art. She teaches at Brighton University, exhibits throughout Europe and is author of Ceramics: Tools and Techniques for the Contemporary Maker.
Joseph Long is an artist and lecturer based in London and Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex. He has taught at the University of the Arts London, Wimbledon College of Art, Brighton University, Falmouth University and University Centre Hastings. His academic research focuses on modern and contemporary art, investigating in particular aspects of late nineteenth and twentieth century art that relate to the emergence of modernism.