From Pre-Academy to a bachelor’s degree in Art & Design
What do you want to make? Which direction is right for you? And how can you develop your own way of working? Pre-Academy Art & Design gives participants the space to experiment, discover new possibilities and explore their interests and talents.
What is Pre-Academy Art & Design?
Pre-Academy Art & Design is a preparatory year consisting of 26 intensive weeks of study. You develop the skills you need for a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art or Design. First, you explore visual arts education and get to know different workshops and facilities. You then take part in workshops focusing on themes and developments in art & design. You also have the opportunity to spend time with a degree programme of your choice. This helps you discover which direction suits you and prepare for studying at an art academy. At the end of the programme, you can apply for admission to a bachelor’s degree programme.
Discovering what suits you
During the programme, Senna van Dongen gradually discovered which direction she wanted to take: ‘When I started Pre-Academy, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do. As the programme progressed, the workshops helped me gain a much clearer idea. Thanks to Pre-Academy, I was accepted onto Fashion Design! I also met some lovely people, which has been really valuable to me.’
Experimenting and developing
Olly Verbeek also discovered new ways to develop and express ideas during Pre-Academy Art & Design: ‘Pre-Academy opened up a whole new world of ideas and possibilities for me. It really helped me develop my visual skills. I learned how to communicate visually and experiment. What is a design process, and how do you develop one? Above all, it was a really great experience!’
This development is reflected in the work participants produce. The Graphic Design programme at the Academy of Art & Design Arnhem has been impressed by the high quality of the Pre-Academy students’ portfolios. As Maaike van Neck, Head of the Graphic Design programme, explains: ‘The combination of motivation, distinctive creativity and a remarkable enthusiasm for further development makes the students’ work particularly convincing!’ It is also clear that many participants are highly motivated to deepen their knowledge and continue developing their practice at ArtEZ.
A strong foundation for art academy
Pre-Academy is not just about making work. It is also about developing your own approach to working and learning to engage with different processes, methods and ways of working. Sanne Schepers, Head of Fashion Design at the Academy of Art & Design Arnhem, sees this as an important preparation for further study: ‘In my view, Pre-Academy is the ideal preparation for getting off to a flying start on one of the art & design programmes. It gives you a huge boost in developing your visual skills, resulting in a rich and vibrant portfolio that explores and develops a wide range of processes, methods and ways of working. You also develop all kinds of skills and working practices that prepare you to start studying at an art academy, with an open mindset that allows you to keep growing. Your portfolio is a joy to look through and discuss during admission interviews!’
