BA (Hons) Fine Art with Textiles

Program Overview

This three-year program immerses students in textile techniques, contemporary understandings of textiles, and a supportive learning environment, fostering their artistic vision and preparing them for a wide range of careers in the arts and creative industries. The program's emphasis on independent studio practice, peer feedback, and culminating Degree Show provides a comprehensive and transformative art education.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BA (Hons) Fine Art with Textiles degree at the University of Chichester is designed to cultivate your creative flair by immersing you in the world of textiles and 3D media. You'll develop a comprehensive understanding of fine art principles while specializing in textile-based practices. The program offers a dynamic learning environment that allows you to experiment with various techniques and materials, encouraging you to discover your unique artistic vision. The program's objectives include:

• Exploring the nature of textiles as a medium:
Students will examine textiles as a versatile art form that extends beyond traditional two-dimensional applications.
• Developing professional approaches to making processes:
Students will master a diverse range of textile techniques, including weaving, stitching, embroidery, felt-making, dyeing, and knitting, alongside other 2D and 3D practices like surface design, color theory, collage, and sculpture.
• Shifting towards contemporary understandings of textiles:
Students will explore the evolving role of textiles in contemporary art, embracing spatial and three-dimensional interpretations.
• Immersion in a supportive environment:
Students will benefit from dedicated studio spaces, specialist facilities, and a student-centric approach, fostering creativity and confidence.
• Showcasing your artwork:
The program emphasizes public exhibitions and the prestigious Degree Show, providing a platform to present your work to a wide audience.

Outline:

The BA (Hons) Fine Art with Textiles degree is a three-year, full-time program offered at the Bognor Regis Campus.

Year One:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Workshop 1: Digital Drawing & Investigation: Learn digital skills encompassing Illustrator, Photoshop, and video/sound editing.
• Projects 1: Approaches to Drawing and Investigation: Develop studio project skills through drawing classes, individual practice, research, and group critiques.
• Contextual 1: Forms Analysis Contexts: Analyze artworks, explore themes and contexts in visual arts, and participate in gallery visits and seminar discussions.
• Workshop 2: Materials and Methodologies: Specialize or combine techniques in paint, print, sculpture, or textiles, developing technical expertise.
• Materials and Evidence (Optional): A catch-up module for those who need additional credits, focusing on developing a defined art practice and material knowledge.

Year Two:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Studio 1: Territories and Defining Practice: Explore materials, media, techniques, and ideas in a self-directed studio project.
• Contextual 3: Sites Discourses Rhetoric: Develop critical thinking through the analysis of artworks, incorporating theoretical perspectives like psychoanalysis and feminism.
• Studio 2: Site, Externality and Display: Investigate the placement of art, exploring themes of 'site' in relation to your artistic practice.
• Optional Modules:
• Workshop 3: Process & Development: Deepen your practical skills in your chosen specialism (paint, print, sculpture, textiles).
• Digital Photography: Learn photography fundamentals, including image capture, manipulation, and critical evaluation.
• External Placement 1: Digital Review: Gain vocational experience in a cultural agency, building career skills and networking opportunities.
• Production Design: Explore the fundamentals of production design, encompassing art direction, set design, and technical aspects.
• Research and Process: A catch-up module for those who need additional credits, focusing on refining research skills and strengthening your studio practice.

Year Three:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Degree Show – Recognition & Consolidation – Studio 3a – Digital Photography: Engage in a self-initiated project, culminating in a public exhibition (Degree Show) that showcases your unique artistic voice.
• Optional Modules:
• Manifesto 1: Develop an academic research essay that supports your studio practice.
• External Placement 2: Digital Review: Undertake a work placement to further enhance career skills and gain valuable industry experience.
• Manifesto 2: Dissertation: Produce a dissertation that explores the theoretical and artistic influences on your work, demonstrating a high level of critical thinking and scholarly rigor.

Assessment:

• Variety of assessment methods:
Assessments are diverse and include practical projects, report writing, essays, presentations, and public exhibitions.
• Clear criteria:
Assessment criteria are clearly defined to ensure a fair and transparent evaluation process.
• Focus on independent work:
Assessment emphasizes the development of independent, self-directed studio practice.
• Emphasis on the Degree Show:
The final year culminates in the prestigious Degree Show, which serves as a major assessment component.

Teaching:

• Small lectures and seminars:
Students are engaged in intimate classroom settings, fostering discussion and interaction.
• Peer group critiques:
Students provide constructive feedback to their peers, promoting collaboration and growth.
• Independent work:
The program strongly encourages independent, self-directed studio practice, allowing students to explore their individual artistic vision.
• Integration of theory and practice:
Students are taught to contextualize their work within academic frameworks, balancing practical skills with critical thinking.

Careers:

The BA (Hons) Fine Art with Textiles program prepares students for a wide range of careers in the arts and creative industries. Upon graduation, students have the potential to pursue roles such as:

• Textile Artist:
Create and exhibit original textile-based artwork.
• Textile/Fashion Designer:
Design and develop textiles for fashion and other industries.
• Illustrator:
Create visual concepts for publications, advertising, and other media.
• Clothing Technologist:
Develop and refine clothing designs and materials.
• Art Therapist:
Use art as a therapeutic tool for individuals and groups.
• Arts Administrator:
Manage the operations of art organizations and institutions.
• Commercial Art Gallery Manager:
Oversee the operations of art galleries, including exhibitions, sales, and marketing.
• Museum/Gallery Exhibitions Officer:
Plan and curate exhibitions in museums and galleries.
• Art Teacher/Art Technician:
Teach art in educational settings.
• Artist:
Develop a successful career as a fine artist, showcasing work in galleries and exhibitions.
• Design, Photography, Marketing, and Communications:
Utilize creative skills in various fields.
• Community-Based Artist:
Engage in art projects that benefit local communities.
• Facilities:
Students have access to specialist studio and workshop facilities in St Michaels’ House, including textile workshops, a large teaching space for video, light, and sound projections, and the Tech Park, which boasts digital equipment and open-plan workshops.
• Learning Resource Centre (LRC):
Students have access to a modern library, study areas, computers, WiFi, extensive resources, and the Support and Information Zone (SIZ), which provides equipment loans.
• Placements:
The program includes optional external placements in the second and third years, providing opportunities for vocational experience and career development.
• Partnerships:
The University of Chichester collaborates with local galleries, charities, and schools, offering networking opportunities and guest speaker events.