Visual Arts Foundation Program in Yukon Territory, Canada

Yukon School of Visual Arts, Yukon Territory:
Located in the vibrant community of Dawson City in the Yukon Territory in Northern Canada, Yukon School of Visual Arts (SOVA) is an accredited post-secondary institution. We offer a Foundation Year program that specializes in the instruction, promotion and advancement of contemporary visual arts practices from a multiplicity of cultural perspectives. This is the first year of study in a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Design degrees (BDes). Students can then transfer into a second year of study at Canada’s top art schools to complete their degrees, including Emily Carr University, Ontario College of Art & Design, NSCAD University, and the Alberta College of Art & Design.

Foundation Year Program:
The SOVA Foundation Year program consists of six Studio and four Liberal Studies courses. Each course is worth 3 credits. All Studio courses meet twice a week for three hour classes, while the English courses meet twice a week for one and a half hours. The two Visual Culture Studies courses are delivered through video conferencing from the Ontario College of Art and Design and consist of one two hour lecture and one one hour tutorial/ seminar class per week.

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

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.

Successful completion of all courses are required to meet the transfer and accreditation requirements of our partner organizations.