Fine Arts students can now transfer directly from an NIC diploma into Year 3 of a degree at Alberta College of Art + Design (ACAD).
“This partnership is a great opportunity for our students to expand their education at one the most prestigious studio-based fine arts programs in Canada,” said Diane Naugler, NIC’s dean of business and applied studies. “With a diploma from NIC and a degree from ACAD students will be well-prepared for a vibrant career.”
Colleen Evans of the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce says creativity and innovative leadership is a driving force in our local economy.
“Business leaders should consider tapping the talent of students and graduates from the creative economy,” she said. “In a global study conducted by IBM, more than 1,500 CEOs from 60 countries and 33 industries identified the most important skill for successfully navigating our increasingly complex, volatile and uncertain world is creativity.”
According to the World Economic Forum, creative industries generated 29.5 million jobs worldwide with the top three employers in visual arts, books and music.
ACAD has launched the careers of thousands of artists since it opened in Calgary in 1926. It boasts more Governor General Award winning faculty than any other institution in Canada, including NIC’s 2017 Artist in Residence Rita McKeough, who will be on campus in the Comox Valley this spring and summer.
“NIC and ACAD share a commitment to creating a rich, inspiring, and personal experience for emerging artists and designers,” said Alison Miyauchi, ACAD’s acting vice president of research and academic affairs. “We look forward to welcoming NIC students to ACAD to further expand their creative potential and to providing a pathway to degree completion.”
While at NIC, students develop professional expertise and take part in exhibits that cultivate creativity. In addition to ACAD, NIC has partnerships in place that allow students to transfer seamlessly with advanced standing at Emily Carr University, UVic and VIU. Each degree pathway has its own unique deadlines, GPA and portfolio requirements.
These partnerships can be attributed to NIC’s strong reputation in a range of disciplines from painting, sculpture, ceramics and photography to interdisciplinary and digital art practices.
“Our fine arts students are known for being creative, innovative individuals with strong critical thinking and problem solving skills,” said Naugler. “Many have received prestigious awards and scholarships related to their art practice. This reputation is opening doors.”
Students transferring to ACAD continue to access small class sizes, excellent facilities and dedicated faculty they have known at NIC. ACAD offers Bachelor of Fine Arts majors in media arts, sculpture, fibre, painting, drawing, ceramics, glass, print media, jewellery and metals as well as Bachelor of Design majors in photography and visual communication design.
NIC’s Fine Arts diploma is still accepting applications and portfolios. Visit www.nic.bc.ca/fine-art-design or call 1-800-715-0914 for more information on NIC’s partnership agreements across Western Canada or to meet with an educational advisor.
Media Contact
Christiana Wiens
Media Liaison, North Island College
O. 250-334-5280 | M. 250-218-4097
christiana.wiens@nic.bc.ca
