Why KIAC SOVA?
An Outstanding Art School in Canada's North
Students in Foundation Year studies at the KIAC School of Visual Arts will experience an exciting, innovative and progressive program that will take them on an artistic journey and a journey of personal discovery. Several unique features distinguish the Foundation Year curriculum and approach:
- studies in 2 Dimensional, 3 Dimensional and 4 Dimensional Studio Practices are integrated around theme units that incorporate a visual culture approach to studying art the curriculum ensures that works from Northern, First Nation and other Aboriginal artists are studied.
A newly dedicated facility provides students access to excellent equipment, new media technologies, and world-class instruction. The program offers an integrated holistic approach to visual art that recognizes the student as a complete individual with his/her own unique personal and cultural experiences. Students will be encouraged to explore and share their creative processes while questioning them in relation to historical and contemporary cultural movements. Studio and lecture courses are presented in consecutive thematic units, which allow for the progressive development of fundamental skills and techniques, while addressing concepts and theories relevant to traditional and contemporary art practices. Students will also pursue academic coursework that includes Visual Culture Studies and English. The Foundation Year program is designed to support, challenge and substantiate the student’s abilities, while providing the knowledge and skills required for transfer to degree programs at designated post-secondary art institutions.
Innovative Program Featuring:
- integrated curriculum designed around theme units
-
holistic learning – experience a personal journey, an artistic
- journey, and a journey within a community
- focus on northern and first nation artists
- visual culture approach
- great teacher/student ratio
- small and supportive learning environment
- interaction with artists visiting Odd Gallery and McCauley residence
- inclusion of 4D studies
- transferability to ECIAD, ACAD, OCAD and others
- ability to be involved in the community
- evaluation of process as well as product
- low tuition fees compared to other art schools
- small and supportive learning environment
2 Dimensional Studies 101
2 Dimensional Studio 102
3 Dimensional Studio 101
3 Dimensional Studio 102
4 Dimensional Studio 101
4 Dimensional Studies 102
English 120 : Reading / Writing / Creating
English 121 : Artwords
Introduction to Visual Studies I : History and Ideas
Introduction to Visual Studies II : Critical Frameworks
The Most Inspiring Place in Canada
With the vast Yukon landscapes, the bold, distinct seasons, and the everchanging light of the midnight sun in summer and northern lights in winter, it’s not a surprise that the Yukon boasts the highest number of artisans per capita in Canada. Whether it’s the land, the people, the wildlife, the space or the fresh air, you just can’t help but be inspired.
Dawson City sits at the confluence of two famous rivers, the Yukon and the Klondike, not far from where gold was discovered in 1896. A brilliant community, on the edge, of the edge, it still revels in the tales of the Klondike Gold Rush and remains home to many gold miners of today. At the same time a thriving, contemporary culture has developed, blending the creative arts, first nations culture, the history, the wilderness and the spectacular people that choose to make their home in the north.
- uniqueness of Dawson
- a hive of arts and culture
- size of community means a trip to the grocery store just takes a few minutes,
- little distraction, time to focus on school
- residents learn to rely on each other and are willing to help
- you are close to the land
- the community is incredibly inviting and inclusive
In keeping with the SOVA curriculum goal of integrating traditional and contemporary, the KIAC Board of Directors has restored 2 historic properties to house their programs.
Following on the heels of the renovation of the historic Odd Fellows Hall, the KIAC team barely caught their breath before jumping into the acquisition of the old Territorial Liquor Store to house the new KIAC School of Visual Arts Foundation Year Program. After undergoing complete refurbishment in less than 2 years, the new school is located in the centre of Dawson City and is the new pride of the community.
Facility Features:
-
custom built
- state of the art equipment
- students assigned their own computers
- each student has his or her own dedicated space (a feature that is not
- generally available to first year students)
- accessible shop equipment
- exhibition space