Canadian University Press Releases/Newswire

Source: Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design
http://www.eciad.ca/www/whatson/newsDetails.php?id=269

Yukon Students Can Transfer to Southern Art Institutions

October 24, 2006

Two leading art and design institutes have signed articulation agreements with Yukon College. The agreements with the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design (ECI) and the Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD) mean that students who complete the foundation year at the new School of Visual Arts in Dawson City qualify for second year at the southern institutions.

"These agreements recognize the quality of the innovative curriculum that has been developed," says Paul Driscoll, Yukon College’s dean of arts & science. "Students will have an opportunity to learn in the unique northern environment of Dawson City which is home to a vibrant arts community. The facilities and level of instruction will be top-notch."

"The program takes an integrated, holistic approach which means the universal themes of art are explored both in the academic courses of English and Visual Culture Studies and in the studio courses using 2D, 3D and 4D media," says David Curtis, the Director of Development for the foundation year. "The curriculum emphasizes First Nations, northern and multi-cultural artists and approaches to art."

The School of Visual Arts is a partnership involving the first nation of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, Yukon College and the Dawson City Arts Society (DCAS) through its operating arm the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC). The foundation year program gets underway in September of 2007.

"Partnering in this program is one way the First Nation has pursued its belief that providing educational opportunities in traditional territory will benefit First Nation youth, citizens and the community," says Chief Darren Taylor of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in.

"We are pleased to offer this collaboration with Yukon College," says Monique Fouquet, Vice-President Academic at ECI. "This agreement will enable a greater number of students from the north to access educational programs in design, visual arts and media arts and the Yukon students will bring new perspectives into our institutional culture."

The KIAC School of Visual Arts expects to draw most of its 20 students from the north – the Yukon and Northwest Territories. Students in southern Canada are also encouraged to apply. "The low student/teacher ratio, the low tuition compared to southern art colleges and the unique opportunity of living and learning in the north will likely draw students from across the country," says Driscoll.

"This agreement will enhance the diversity of our dialogue, a core value at ACAD. The unique perspectives of students transferring from the Yukon will contribute to a broader cultural discourse," says David Aldrich, Vice-President, Research and Academic Affairs at ACAD. "We look forward to drawing on the rich cultural experiences of Yukon students to expand our collective exposure to an even broader range of creative possibilities."

For information contact:
Moira McDermott, Communications Manager, at 604.844.3860