INDEPENDENT STUDIO PROGRAM
The Independent Studio Program (ISP) includes 24 hour access to a studio space in one of our bright spacious classrooms, regular one-on-one critique sessions with an advisor, and an informative weekly group seminar that consists of lively presentations and discussion about contemporary art.
This program is for people who have a diploma or degree from an art school or art program at a university. It is a great program for people looking for feedback and who want to develop a professional practice or prepare an application for a Masters of Fine Arts degree (for those already holding a Bachelor degree from a university or equivalent professional experience). Over a period of two semesters (Fall and Winter), each ISP student works with an Advisor who offers critical feedback, technical support and general guidance in the realm of becoming a professional artist. Activities such as individual and group critiques, guest lectures, and gallery visits are consistent features of the program. Students are also mentored in the submission processes for both public and private galleries, granting agencies and graduate schools.
Admission Requirements:
- completion of a Diploma of Fine Arts at the Vancouver Island School of Art or equivalent from other institution
- copy of photo id
- cover letter outlining proposed project ideas and goals to be attained over the September to April duration of the program
- 10-15 images (jpegs) of applicant's original work done in the last two years. Images must be a minimum of 640 pixels or 8 inches wide, 72 dpi is fine as long as image width is at least 640 pixels wide. Images can be sent on a CD, flash drive or through a file sharing program such as YouSendIt, Dropbox, WeTransfer or something similar. Include a list of titles, mediums and size of each image (submitted as a separate PDF or Word document). If you are emailing material use the following email address: director@vancouverislandschoolart.com with 'Application Materials and Your Name' in subject line.
- transcripts from institutions where visual arts diploma/degree was attained if other than the Vancouver Island School of Art
- interview with Director
- completed application form with $50 application fee ($100 application fee for International students) submitted prior to July 15 (recommend June 30 if applying for Student Loans) for September enrollment
| Program Application Fee | ||
| Canadian Student | ||
| International Student | ||
Non-native speakers:
Provided non-native speaking applicants have met all other application requirements, they will be required to meet with the Director for a Language Proficiency Interview. If required, the applicant will be asked to complete the TOEFL English language test, with a minimum score of 70%.
Program Requirements:
- Independent development of an approved body of work over the course of two semesters (24 weeks) as described in the application proposal (21 hours studio time per week)
- Bi-Weekly meetings with Program Advisor
- Attendance in Advanced Studio seminar
Studio space is of limited availability so people applying for the Independent Studio Program need to apply as soon as possible. A $500 deposit is required by July 31st.
Tuition Fee: $1800 (includes studio space) per semester
Senior Residency:
For students who have completed the Independent Studio Program (ISP) and would like to continue their studies at VISA, we have a follow-up called Senior Residency. Please review the application for more information.
The Vancouver Island School of Art is a Designated Learning Institution registered with the Government of Canada. DLI# O111345278377
The Vancouver Island School of Art is Accredited with the B.C. Private Training Institutions Branch.
