MARILYN I. WALKER SCHOOL OF FINE & PERFORMING ARTS
EXPERIENCE. THE ARTS. ADMISSIONS 2021
In 2008, famed textile artist Marilyn I. Walker donated an unprecedented $15 million to Brock University in order to transform the Canada Hair Cloth Building into the new home of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts. At the same time, she started working on a handmade quilt for the facility. Now hanging prominently in the School’s main floor corridor, Marilyn’s Tree of Learning is a nine-foot-tall quilt that incorporates uncommon fabrics and techniques from textile and fibre art that depict a dream about studying the arts.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Facilities map.................................. 4 Dramatic Arts ................................ 6 Music ............................................... 12 Alumni Spotlight ........................... 18 Visual Arts....................................... 20 Rodman Hall .................................. 28 Studies in Arts and Culture ......... 30 Awards and job opportunities..... 36 Admissions checklist .................... 38 Visit us and important dates ...... 39
YOU HAVE A CREATIVE VISION. The Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts has award-winning faculty, stellar facilities and a breadth of unique learning opportunities to help you realize your vision.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF: • Small class sizes and flexible degree options. • Co-op opportunities with leading industry partners. • Opportunities to create and exhibit new artistic works, perform in dynamic concerts, and conceptualize and mount engaging theatre productions. • A tight-knit, supportive community of local artists and successful alumni. • Studying in the middle of a thriving arts and culture scene.
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Meridian Centre VISA studios Art store Learning commons VISA kiosk ‘Music wing’ Digital music room
DART studios
Partridge Family Practice Studios Tree of Learning quilt Darkroom Digital media lab VISA Gallery and Student Exhibition Space
95,000 square foot facility
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Main lobby Margarette and Milton Pummell Commons
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre Recital Hall Partridge Hall Roberston Theatre
Film House
MIW Theatre
THE MARILYN I. WALKER SCHOOL OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS is located in the heart of downtown St. Catharines in the historic 19th century Canada Hair Cloth Building. Only 10 minutes from Brock’s main campus, the School’s location, combined with its stateof-the-art studios, exhibition spaces, performance venues, digital classrooms and learning commons create a unique learning environment for students to pursue artistic excellence and innovation.
Green room Wardrobe shop Scene shop
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DEPARTMENT OF
DRAMATIC ARTS
Main stage production Perdita or the Winter’s Tale, directed by Gyllian Raby and Danielle Wilson, MIW Theatre, Feb. 2020
As a Dramatic Arts (DART) student, you will work with the very best faculty, artists and theatre professionals from Niagara, the GTA and beyond. In exceptional facilities designed to provide learning experiences that mirror the professional performing arts, you will experience leading-edge approaches to teaching and learning and groundbreaking innovation in applied theatre. All DART degree offerings integrate theory and practice. You will gain a broad educational base in performance, design and technical skills through the study of critical thinking, theatre history, dramaturgy and dramatic literature. DART mounts an annual performance season of productions imagined and realized by students, directed and designed by faculty and guest artists, and mentored by professional technical staff and alumni. You will immerse yourself in various facets of theatre and work collaboratively as an actor and member of the creative and production teams. Co-op opportunities and established partnerships with local theatre companies and the venerable Shaw Festival, Foster Festival and Niagara Folk Arts provide opportunities for students to take their learning out of the classroom and gain hands-on industry and community engagement experience.
Concentrations
Degrees offered
Drama in Education and Applied Theatre Students focus on drama outside traditional theatre spaces, including theatre in the community, in hospitals, in prisons and in educational settings. Performance Students develop the foundations of stage performance, while engaging in script analysis, critical and reflective writing and speaking and creative research, allowing them to develop as “actor-creators” — theatre artists who can create their own work. Production and Design Prepares you for production work, management, crewing, design and other elements of creative and technical stagecraft.
“Brock’s Dramatic Arts program instilled a maturity in me and the skills I developed empowered me. Clubs like Brock Musical Theatre also allow you to experiment with your performance side and put what you’ve learned in your degree to the test.”
• BA Honours in Dramatic Arts Concentrations are available in Drama in Education and Applied Theatre, Performance, and Production and Design. A co-op program is also available.
• BA with Major Program • BA in Dramatic Arts (pass degree) • Minor in Dramatic Arts • Combined Major Program • Certificate in Drama in Education and Applied Theatre
• Concurrent BA/BEd Study in Dramatic Arts and the Faculty of Education to earn two undergraduate degrees. Options include: Concurrent BA (Honours): BEd Intermediate/Senior – Dramatic Arts. Concurrent BA Integrated Studies (Honours): BEd Junior/Intermediate – Dramatic Arts as teachable subject.
— John McGowan (BA ’14), Actor
Briefcase Co-op available
key Concurrent education option
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Experiential International learning opportunities
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 GAIN HANDS-ON TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE in the scenery studio, wardrobe shop, and production lighting and sound shops.
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DRAMATIC ARTS
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rehearsal and performance studios to perform in
Produce in the Marilyn I. Walker Theatre’s
285-seat venue with adjacent green and dressing rooms
“Brock helped me grow, and though I left its halls as an artist still very much a work in progress (what artist at any age, or experience level isn’t?), it had prepared me for the world, and I think that is the highest compliment you can pay to an institution.” — Jordin Hall, (BA ‘10), Dramatic Arts, Performance concentration
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How to apply: DART Invitational 2021 All applicants should see this web page for more information about applying to Brock University: brocku.ca/admissions/apply Your application will be reviewed, and if successful, a conditional offer of admission will be made as early as December. Once you have received your conditional offer from the University, you must then register for the DART Invitational, which under normal circumstances would take place at the Marilyn I. Walker campus in downtown St. Catharines. Details will be announced at the following website as soon as they are available: brocku.ca/miwsfpa/dramatic-arts/dart-invitational
What is the DART Invitational? The DART Invitational is part of the admissions process for students interested in entering the Department of Dramatic Arts (DART) at Brock University. Applicants for the Dramatic Arts and BA/BEd Intermediate-Senior (Dramatic Arts) programs must register in and successfully complete the DART Invitational before an admissions decision is made. For 2021 we are planning the Dramatic Arts online Invitational Interview (Feb.-May). You will spend an hour in the company of Faculty from the Department of Dramatic Arts introducing you to the program and discussing your areas of strength and interest. In the event public health policy permits us to invite applicants to campus we will plan for the DART Invitational Event for those wishing to have an in person experience. This exciting, full day of workshops will introduce you to all of the facets of theatre study that our program offers — from drama in education and applied theatre, to production and design, to performance and theatre praxis. Whereas most drama programs ask you to prepare a classical monologue and give you a two-minute opportunity to “impress the judges,” we will be taking you through a series of workshops. This allows you to walk
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DRAMATIC ARTS
away with some introductory skills, an original piece of theatre you’ve created with peers and the opportunity to engage with many of our faculty, staff, current students and alumni.
How much does it cost? The DART Invitational Event has a registration fee of $80, which includes materials, snacks, refreshments and lunch. There is no cost for the Dramatic Arts Invitational Interview.
International applicants and applicants who live further than 500 km from Niagara You are invited to contact the department to schedule an alternate Invitational experience. This may include the submission of: • a video portfolio, • an interview by Skype or similar, • a letter of reference, • the assignments we ask students to complete at the DART Invitational. Contact the Department of Dramatic Arts at dramatic@brocku.ca to book a personal alternate interview.
Questions? Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about the Invitational process. Questions should be directed to the Chair of Dramatic Arts, Professor David Fancy, at dfancy@brocku.ca For questions related to the admissions process, please contact our Admissions Office at futurestudent@brocku.ca
Where can you go from here? • Actor • Agent and literary manager • Marketing designer and publicist • Artistic director, producer and director • Scriptwriter and dramaturge/script doctor • Designer for theatre • Camera operator • Stage, production and wardrobe manager • Drama teacher (elementary school, high school, college or university) Other future career paths: • Lawyer and conflict negotiator • Corporate leadership trainer • Voice and speech therapist • Drama therapist DART also provides an excellent foundation for further studies, including teaching certificates, acting conservatories or university graduate studies at the master’s or doctoral level.
Contact Information Department office: MWS 314 905 688 5550 x5255 dramatic.arts@brocku.ca
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DEPARTMENT OF
MUSIC
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MARILYN I. WALKER SCHOOL OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS
The Department of Music trains our students to become critically aware musicians and prepares you for your chosen musical career by laying a foundation in performance, theory and musicianship. We offer superb performance and academic instruction in pristine, professional facilities on campus and at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. You will receive individual attention from accomplished faculty, as well as experiential learning opportunities that allow you to perform, collaborate and engage with renowned Canadian and international artists. Experience practical skills training in our music practicum course, where you can complete for-credit volunteer placements in either music education, music health/therapy, music administration or music in the community, and hone your performance skills with opportunities to perform in public concerts, recitals and with the department’s choral and instrumental ensembles.
ENSEMBLES INCLUDE: • University Wind Ensemble • University String Orchestra • Brock University Choirs • University Jazz Ensemble
Concentrations
Degrees offered
Music Education The perfect lead into further studies in a faculty of education and eventual school teaching, or for teaching privately in a studio setting. This concentration includes music education foundations, technique courses in voice and all major instrument types, choral and piano pedagogy, conducting, music technology and music cognition. Music Education-oriented practicum placements are also available. Music Therapy Foundation A kind of Music Therapy “pre-med,” and excellent preparation for graduate studies and eventual certification in Music Therapy. Students in this concentration complete courses in introductory music therapy, music cognition, voice, percussion and guitar techniques, as well as introductory, developmental and abnormal psychology. Music Therapy-oriented practicum placements are also available. Performance (BMus only) For performers of the highest calibre who aspire to go on to graduate studies in performance and an eventual career concertizing. Entry to this concentration is via a juried audition at the end of first year. In years two to four in studio lessons, students prepare for three public recitals, one at the end of each year.
• Bachelor of Music (BMus) Comprehensive training for the future professional musician. Lessons and masterclasses on your instrument or voice are an integral part of this degree, as are core academic courses.
• BA Honours in Music Comprehensive education in all core areas of musicianship. Lessons are optional, allowing you room to explore academic interests in music and related fields.
• BA with Major Program • BA in Music (pass degree) • BA Honours combined The “Music and…” combination, where you mix Music equally with another subject of your choice. Recent combinations chosen by our students include Music and French, Music and Mathematics, Music and English, and Music and Psychology.
• Minor in Music, Choral/Vocal Music, or Instrumental Music
Alternatively, you don’t have to declare a concentration at all, and can graduate with our popular and long-established comprehensive BMus or Honours BA degrees. This is a great choice for students who have a wide variety of musical interests and wish to run the gamut of musical experience at Brock.
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Experiential International learning opportunities
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ï— PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES in the adjacent FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.
Rehearse and perform in the acoustically excellent 300-seat Recital Hall
Experience world-class performances and masterclasses in the 700-seat Partridge Hall
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MUSIC
Develop your performance skills in
individual soundproofed practice rooms with pianos, virtual acoustic technology and the capability for digital recording.
Students also have access to
smart classrooms, applied music studios, choral and instrumental ensemble libraries, and a digital music lab.
“My Brock instructors were huge champions in helping me earn my Music degree and achieve all that I have today.” — Danny Lamb (BMus ’12), Singer-songwriter Canadian Ambassador, International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus
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How to apply: Auditioning for the Department of Music All applicants for the Department of Music must pass the audition process. Students have the opportunity to present an audition to showcase their talent, while being assessed to determine their placement into either the Bachelor of Music (BMus) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs. There is an audition fee of $50, payable at least two weeks before the audition date. The audition process for the Department of Music will be modified to reflect public health guidelines in the winter and spring of 2021. Check the website for information about audition and admissions process: brocku.ca/miwsfpa/music/admissions-and-auditions Auditions for entry into the Music program at Brock (or individual Music courses) are held each year in the spring. The audition day consists of the following: • An introductory presentation on the Brock Music program • A theory placement test (roughly equivalent to the RCM Level 7 exam) • A juried performance of prepared pieces on your first instrument or voice • A keyboard proficiency test for non-pianists • An ear/singing test Auditions take place selected weekends in February through May each year. Please check our website for dates when they become available. Online auditions are also available. Please contact the Music Office for more information: brocku.ca/miwsfpa/music/admissions-and-auditions-2
“For anyone interested in music education, the music practicum offered at Brock is a great environment in which to learn. You get different perspectives on how teachers plan their lesson structure while hanging around in a music class, which is fun and exciting all on its own.” — Gavino Oresta (BA ’19), Brock alumnus
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MUSIC
Application Process Applicants must first apply to Brock University according to the regulations of the Office of the Registrar. 1. Learn about the application process at brocku.ca/admissions/ apply. We offer both a Bachelor of Music (BMus) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA in Music) program. When applying, the BMus represents both programs. The Admissions Office will assess your application for academic eligibility. 2. Once we have your successful application, we will send you an email with information on reserving your audition date through the Music office. Your music audition assessments will determine your placement into either the BMus or BA program. Please note: If you intend to pursue a Bachelor of Arts with no lessons, you must still register for an audition day to complete the theory assessment, keyboard proficiency test, interview and aural/ choral assessment.
International applicants and applicants who live further than 500 km from Niagara Please note we will be conducting auditions virtually for the 202122 academic year. More information available online. Please contact the Chair of Music, Associate Professor Karin Di Bella, at kdibella@brocku.ca for details.
Questions? Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about the audition process. Questions should be directed to the Chair of Music, Associate Professor Karin Di Bella, at kdibella@brocku.ca For questions related to the admissions process, please contact our Admissions Office at futurestudent@brocku.ca
Where can you go from here? A degree in Music can prepare you for any number of exciting, music-related careers. Your undergraduate degree is just the beginning. Transferable skills: • Problem-solving • Critical thinking and communication • Discipline and interpersonal skills • Improved language abilities Music-related careers: • Performance: Solo, ensemble, live or recorded • Teaching: Private lessons, early childhood education or traditional classroom instruction • Music and health: Music therapy and music medicine • Music administration: Agent, concert promoter or tour organizer • Composition/arranging: Music for games/films • Music broadcasting and recording: Sound recording and production • Instrument manufacturing, repair and sales Other future career paths: • Law • Speech therapy • Information technology
Contact Information Department office: MWS 228 905 688 5550 x3817 music@brocku.ca
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
JORDIN HALL — (BA ’10), Dramatic Arts, Performance concentration “For me, the true scope of the culmination of my time at Brock wasn’t fully actualized until I found myself in rehearsal halls afterward. This was when the work revealed to me that Brock had provided me with an incredible and stable foundation, as I had just as much of a handle on the craft as the next person, and this was exhilarating and motivating. The lesson that sprung from this, that the kid from Chatham eventually learned, is to leave the self-flagellation behind in exchange for generosity of self, and to just be where you are at all times. You’re doing better than you think”.
CARINA MAGAZEENI — (BA ’13), HAVC, Concentration in Curatorial Studies “Since graduating, I’ve worked as a curator, designer and cultural worker (amongst many other part-time gigs). My practice is rooted in critical collaboration and driven by queer, feminist and decolonial politics and strategies within and beyond gallery spaces. Currently, I’m the Director of the Union Gallery, which is a student-centered professional contemporary art gallery at Queen’s University. It feels like a true gift—to be able to contribute to the visual landscape and future generation of artists in this capacity. I try to impart the same level of care and support that has been afforded to me and share the lessons I have (and continue to) learn along the way, from the many teachers I am fortunate to have in my life.”
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MARILYN I. WALKER SCHOOL OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS
GAIN HANDS-ON TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE in the scenery studio, wardrobe shop, and production lighting and sound shops.
ROX CHWALUK — (BA ’09) Dramatic Arts, (BEd ’10) (MEd ’13) “When I reflect on my time at Brock University as an Undergraduate student in Drama in Education and Society, my journey was guided by three things: building relationships, getting involved in co-curricular activities, and personal growth…It’s an understatement to say that I made lifelong friends, many of whom are artists and educators working all over the world. I studied and worked with Faculty that were talented, caring, and authentic practitioners in their area of expertise, which made my learning experience rich and rewarding. The people that I met, and opportunities that I had while at Brock were instrumental in my education…Because of my foundation in Drama in Education and Society, I have dedicated the last decade of my life as an artist, educator, activist, and aim to better myself as a community member each and every day.”
SHANIQUA GOODMAN — (BA ’20), Music “Everyone has always said “University will be the best experience of your life”, and I never believed them until I actually got to the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts. The students, faculty and staff at this campus made me feel incredibly welcomed, accepted, and (it’s a cliché but very true), MIWSFPA really is a little family! The smaller class sizes are highly beneficial as it allows for flexibility, one-on-one assistance in lectures, and your instructors and fellow classmates get to know you as a person and not just another student in the class. The Music program at Brock provides opportunities for many experiences such as composing, improvisation, working with audio software and exploring new instruments…I look forward to using all of the knowledge, transferable skills and techniques I have learned in Brock’s Music program as I attend teacher’s college and eventually teach my own students.”
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DEPARTMENT OF
VISUAL ARTS
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Department of Visual Arts, Art Block exhibit, featuring the works of Angelina Turner Bad habits series, 2019
MARILYN I. WALKER SCHOOL OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS
The Department of Visual Arts offers education in two distinct but interconnected streams: The History of Art and Visual Culture (HAVC) and Studio Art (STDA). Studio students take courses in traditional fine art disciplines, such as painting, photography, sculpture and drawing, but also explore digital, online, performance and other non-traditional methods of art expression. HAVC courses explore history as it is connected to the present, with a focus on themes such as the body in art and visual culture or the role of censorship from the ancient world to the present day. As a student, you’ll receive dynamic, personable instruction and mentorship from award-winning faculty, as well as individual guidance and timely feedback on your work. This is complemented by unique learning opportunities from internationally acclaimed guest artists to bolster your learning. Our on-site student gallery gives you opportunities to view art, exhibit your own work and learn the behind-thescenes operation of an exhibition space. But your learning isn’t confined to the classroom. By studying in the heart of downtown St. Catharines, you will also become part of a community of working artists, where you will be given opportunities to create and collaborate during your studies and develop lasting professional connections.
How to apply:
Degrees offered
Ontario secondary school students must have a minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses and have completed the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
• BA Honours in Studio Art
Required course: ENG4U Recommended courses: One from 4U history, philosophy, classical studies or international language. Expected entrance average: mid-70s Students applying to the Studio Arts program are required to submit a portfolio (details on page 26). Students interested in the History of Art and Visual Culture (HAVC) program are exempt from submission of a portfolio. Students apply directly to the BA Honours in History of Art and Visual Culture.
• BA in Studio Art (Pass degree) Develop your artistic skills, learn new techniques and technologies and develop your professional practice. Courses offered include painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, media and digital art.
• BA Honours in History of Art and Visual Culture Learn about the tremendous power of visual images to shape and reflect our cultures, experiences and histories. Explore historical and contemporary art and visual culture with the aim of uncovering how images express meaning, who made them and why, and how.
• Minor in History of Art and Visual Culture
• Minor in Studio Art “I believe that the arts are extremely beneficial for children and teens. I am very glad that I chose to go to Brock to study the arts and education so that I can give future generations the opportunity to enjoy art.” — Julie Luth, Concurrent BA/BEd student
• Concurrent BA/BEd Study in Visual Arts and the Faculty of Education to earn two undergraduate degrees — one in Visual Arts and the other in Education. Options include: Concurrent BA (Honours): BEd Intermediate/Senior – Visual Arts. Concurrent BA Integrated Studies (Honours): BEd Junior/Intermediate – Visual Arts as teachable subject.
key Concurrent education option
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Experiential International learning opportunities
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CREATE WHENEVER INSPIRATION STRIKES in studios that are brimming with natural light — many of which are accessible 24 hours a day. Develop strong analogue and digital photography skills in our darkroom and digital media lab.
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VISUAL ARTS
13:1
student to professor ratio
Exhibit and experience art in our
on-site student gallery and exhibition space.
“The painting studio was where I spent most of my time and I appreciated having 24-hour access to the building. I think that’s such an important aspect to have in an institution such as MIWSFPA. I spent a lot of late nights as well as early mornings there creating and finishing bodies of work.” — Gianna Aceto (BA ’19), Brock alumna
A view of the exhibition (un)hidden featuring the work of graduate Amber Lee Williams, at the VISA Gallery and Student Exhibition, April 2018.
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HISTORY OF
ART AND VISUAL CULTURE
Geoffrey Farmer, Canadian artist at the Venice Biennale: A Way Out of the Mirror, 2017, installation with water hydraulics, Canada Pavilion. Image Credit: Derek Knight
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THE HISTORY OF ART AND VISUAL CULTURE
How many images have you looked at today? From social media, to museums, to news media, to our own photographs, each of us views thousands of images every day. These images are often highly mediated and are becoming increasingly difficult to understand. Reading and interpreting visual images are essential skills for 21st century humans. Studying the History of Art and Visual Culture will enable you to visually analyze images and objects with competence, and situate them within a historical context, helping you to understand how they create meaning over time and what they mean today. This kind of knowledge and skill set is necessary for any traditional career in the visual arts, such as curatorial work, research, gallery ownership, and arts management. It is also beneficial for many other careers that require close looking, analysis, and interpretation, from medicine to city planning to engineering. Our dedicated, award-winning instructors have designed unique and interesting courses that cover such subjects as contemporary art, censorship in visual art and culture, and the visual culture of medicine. Small classes mean individualized attention, significant feedback, and a kind and caring environment. For more information visit brocku.ca/visualarts
“I attribute so much of my personal and professional path to the encouragement and support that I received while at Brock, from my peers and professors. Being part of an academic environment that nurtured individuality and fostered a relational approach to teaching and learning allowed me to broaden my perspective on what a degree in art history and visual culture could translate into post-graduation.”
— Carina Magazzeni (BA ’13) HAVC, Concentration in Curatorial Studies
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How to apply: The Studio Art program Portfolios are a required part of the admissions process for students applying to: Visual Arts - Studio Art, Concurrent Education - Intermediate/Senior (Visual Arts -Studio Art major). We must receive your complete portfolio submission by Feb.5, 2021 in order to consider your application for studies beginning in September 2021. For Portfolio requirements: brocku.ca/miwsfpa/visual-arts/apply
Your portfolio submission must contain two elements 1. Letter of Intent (max. 300 words) The letter of intent helps us learn more about what motivates, challenges and inspires you in your creative process. It should describe your reasons for wanting to study visual arts, where you are coming from and what you have studied in the past. Please consider how your answers may enhance or contribute to our understanding of your portfolio work as we view it. Artist statements are also welcome, but not mandatory. Your letter of intent should be submitted in one of the following formats: • As part of a website or artist blog linked in your submission e-mail. • As a Word document (.docx) included in the cloud-sharing folder of your choice (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.), and linked in your submission e-mail. • As a Word document (.docx) attached directly to your submission e-mail. • As a Word document (.docx) on a USB stick submitted by mail. You may include this letter on the same USB stick or artist blog/website as your digital portfolio. Please be sure to clearly label it as your letter of intent. 2. A digital portfolio (15-20 of your artworks) Please DO NOT send original artworks to us. Please title your portable devices and provide a labelled case with your full name (as submitted on your application), OUAC reference number (if applicable) and date of birth. Your portfolio is to be submitted in one of the following ways: • E-mail to Associate Professor Shawn Serfas (sserfas@brocku.ca) with either the digital files attached, or a URL link to your artist blog, website or cloud-sharing folder. Include your full name, OUAC reference number and date of birth. • Saved on a USB stick and submitted by mail or in person to: Associate Professor Shawn Serfas Department of Visual Arts Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts Brock University 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
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VISUAL ARTS
The portfolio and letter of intent must be sent together in a strong, reusable package and must be accompanied by sufficient return postage. Portfolios sent without sufficient return postage will not be returned to the applicant. Please email Associate Professor Shawn Serfas (sserfas@brocku.ca) to inform the department that your portfolio has been sent. Digital files must be saved in these formats: JPG, PSD, TIFF, MOV, WMV and MP4, MP3 and/or PDF documents. Images should be 2MB or less, sized 1024 x 768px, 72 DPI. Please keep video files under 120MB each in two-to-threeminute clips for audio/video. Label each file as follows: “01 LastName, Title, Year;” “02 LastName, Title, Year” Please include an image list that corresponds with the digital portfolio as a Word document (.docx). The image list should be labelled: “01 LastName, FirstName, Title, Media, Dimensions, Date Completed.” International Students: Please contact the Department of Visual Art to plan a portfolio submission process that co-ordinates with your regional academic schedule.
Questions? All questions about the application and portfolio process can be directed to Chair of Visual Arts, Associate Professor Shawn Serfas at sserfas@brocku.ca For questions related to the admissions process, please contact our Admissions Office at futurestudent@brocku.ca
Where can you go from here? Transferable skills: • Hands-on experience in a wide range of techniques and technologies • Critical thinking • Writing, research and communication skills • Ability to market and promote your work and yourself as an artist About half of all Ontario artists (47 per cent) are self-employed, (source, Statistics Canada) and many of our graduates go on to establish their own professional practice as artists. Other future career paths: • Curatorial work in art galleries, museums and artist-run centres • Arts administration • Law (e.g. copyright, repatriation of cultural artifacts and cultural property) • Writing and publication • Teaching
Contact Information Department office: MWS 328 905 688 5550 x3214 visualarts@brocku.ca
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RODMAN HALL ART CENTRE
Department of Visual Arts Honours Exhibition, oh. that’s nice, featuring the works of Gianna Aceto, 2019
Rodman Hall Art Centre (RHAC) of Brock University is a professional university-based contemporary art gallery in the historic Thomas Rodman Merritt House. The stunning facility overlooks the Walker Botanical Garden that descends to the Twelve Mile Creek and is located a short 15-minute walk from the MIWSFPA. Award-winning programs at RHAC connect students and the community with art through innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions, events and art classes for all ages. RHAC is home to a permanent collection of more than 1,000 objects including paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures by Canadian, American and European artists from the past three centuries, and a growing focus on contemporary Canadian art. The collection also includes 40 photographs by worldrenowned artist Edward Burtynsky, who was born and grew up in St. Catharines, and who donated his works to the gallery in 2012.
 With more than
50 YEARS
as the principal art museum for Niagara, Rodman Hall provides excellence in visual arts programming and education.
Through regular collaborations with various academic units at Brock University, RHAC serves as a valuable teaching and research asset that supports new kinds of learning and advances understanding and appreciation of visual art. As a student in VISA or STAC, you will have unique opportunities to engage with the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, work with professional artists and curators, and exhibit your own work in its gallery space. For more information visit brocku.ca/rodman-hall
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STUDIES IN
ARTS AND CULTURE James Kershaw, The Cricket in the Basement, 2019
The Studies in Arts and Culture (STAC) program welcomes students who wish to explore and gain a critical view of contemporary culture by engaging in pragmatic and experiential learning. Our undergraduate degrees provide specific experiences in arts and cultural management, intermedia and interdisciplinarity, and cultural critique and agency. STAC connects students and faculty from Visual Arts, Dramatic Arts, Music, Communication, Popular Culture and Film (CPCF), Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures, as well as the Goodman School of Business and beyond through a selection of course offerings and cultural events. During their studies, STAC students develop crucial skills for a successful career, among them creative problemsolving, effective communication, cultural perceptiveness, team spirit, resiliency and adaptability. STAC is also home to the Research Centre in Interdisciplinary Arts and Creative Culture and the Small Walker Press, which publishes collaborative work that brings together authors and artists from the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts as well as the Canadian and international contexts.
How to apply
Degrees offered
High school students: Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, with an overall average of 70 per cent in a minimum of six 4U (including English 4U) or 4M courses, or equivalent. Students are encouraged to have taken 4U courses in history, philosophy, classical studies and international languages. Students apply directly to the BA Honours in Studies in Arts and Culture. Students whose first language is not English must present scores from an English language proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS). Mature and transfer students are welcome to inquire about learning opportunities at STAC.
• BA Honours in Studies in Arts and Culture • BA in Studies in Arts and Culture (Pass degree) • Combined Major in Studies in Arts and Culture (Honours) • Combined Major in Studies in Arts and Culture (Pass) • Minor in Studies in Arts and Culture Core courses in these programs include: Critical Practice in the Fine and Performing Arts, Embodied Text: Art Beyond the Artifact, Arts, Heritage and Culture: Public Policy and Planning.
“My professors in the STAC program inspired and mentored me. They come from diverse backgrounds, and the work that they do nationally and internationally as practicing artists, entrepreneurs,administrators and curators was very inspiring.” — Mike Landry (BA ’15), Brock alumnus
ROCKET
GLOBE
Other STAC courses include: Media Transformations in the Creative Arts, Landscape Culture, Interpretive and Critical Writing in the Arts, and Creating Social Value from Material Culture. Students also take a selection of courses from participating departments and programs such as Visual Arts, Dramatic Arts, Music, Communication, Popular Culture and Film (CPCF), the Goodman School of Business, and others.
GAVEL
Experiential International Law Plus learning opportunities
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Where can you go from here? • Curator • Manager or administrator for cultural institutions like museums, arts centres, galleries or cultural associations • Visitor engagement coordinator, cultural outreach officer, cultural events planner, conference manager, communication and marketing team member, program development and education coordinator • Public sector: working on arts policy, programming for cultural agencies or for municipal, provincial or federal governments • Entrepreneurship opportunities to run, or contribute to, theatre companies, arts festivals, exhibitions or presentation centres • Editorial team member for magazines and publishers • Humanities research and development officer Other future career paths: The STAC program is also an excellent foundation for further study in Master of Arts programs in Digital Communities, Art History, Curatorial Studies and Studies in Comparative Literatures and Arts.
Contact Information MWS 336 905 688 5550 x4849 cparayre@brocku.ca
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STUDIES IN ARTS AND CULTURE
Concentrations Cultural Management This program brings together learning opportunities from two leading Faculties at Brock University: The Faculty of Humanities — through the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts — and the Goodman School of Business. This is the ideal program for students who seek to graduate with employable skills as cultural managers in music, visual arts and dramatic arts. Students may pursue service learning or practicum experiences with professionals and organizations in the Niagara region. Cultural Transmission and Heritage Studies The Concentration in Cultural Transmission and Heritage Studies offers students the opportunity to engage in cross-disciplinary curatorial projects as well as gain insight and knowledge in intersecting fields exploring arts and cultural heritage. This concentration is a co-operation between STAC, History and Geography/Tourism Studies. Languages, Arts and Culture This concentration combines language acquisition (French, German, Italian or Spanish) in the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures with interdisciplinary work in arts and culture. It attracts future teachers who wish to add hands-on experience in arts and culture to their language skills, as well as future artists, arts managers and curators who wish to develop their career in a bilingual environment.
“STAC allows me the flexibility to explore a wide variety of art types while also taking classes in business, such as financial planning and marketing. It is really exciting and inspiring to be in an environment that is dedicated to the arts and STAC gives me the opportunity to engage with both past and current trends in art and popular culture in interesting and unique ways.� — Maya Meyerman, Studies in Arts and Culture student
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VIBRANT PERFORMANCE SEASONS
The Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts is a dynamic hub of creative and intellectual activity. As part of the School’s annual season of events, you will experience engaging performances, exhibitions, concerts and artist talks by local and international professionals. You will also exhibit and perform your own work in our in-house theatre, studios and gallery, the nearby FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and other venues and galleries in the region.
calendar-check
70+
events every year
10,000+ attendees annually to our performances, exhibitions, concerts, recitals and artist talks
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MARILYN I. WALKER SCHOOL OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS
WALKER CULTURAL LEADERS The Walker Cultural Leader Series was founded through the generosity of the late Marilyn I. Walker and provides programming that celebrates professional achievement, artistic endeavour and the indelible role of culture in our society. You will benefit from close, personal interaction with these professional artists in workshops, masterclasses, studio visits and performances that will inspire you through unique, hands-on learning experiences.
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AWARDS
45+
awards, bursaries, prizes and scholarships exclusively for MIWSFPA students
MARILYN I. WALKER TEXTILE ART AWARD Kira Pretty (BA’20) Studio Art, recipient of the Marilyn I Walker Textile Art Award in 2020.
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MARILYN I. WALKER SCHOOL OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS
Awarded to one graduating student for a piece of their textile art, in honour of the MIWSFPA’s late benefactor and famed textile artist Marilyn I. Walker.
KICK-START YOUR
CREATIVE CAREER Labour needs in the workplace are changing, and workers with transferable, interdisciplinary skills are in demand. You’ll graduate from our programs with the practical, industry experience and adaptability needed to tackle tomorrow’s challenges head-on and succeed not just in fine and performing arts — but in all of your postgraduate endeavours.
Students gain industry-specific experience through diverse, on-the-job training opportunities:
Concert stage manager Help behind the scenes at concerts or assist as an ensemble librarian.
Foster Festival Running annually at the adjacent FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, the festival offers summer employment and educational opportunities for graduating students.
Gallery monitors See the work of curators and preparators in action. Learn the behind-thescenes process of installing a professional art exhibition while engaging with the work of your peers and professional artists.
Music practicum Work side-by-side as a volunteer (for-credit) with local music professionals in music education, music health/therapy, music administration or music in the community. Shaw Festival internship Put your learning to the test in a renowned theatre house in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS Niagara Symphony Orchestra, Avanti Chamber Singers and Chorus Niagara perform stimulating concert programs and will guide your development in classical music. The Niagara Artists Centre (NAC) will introduce you to the culture and opportunities of an artist-run centre, and the Carousel Players (TYP), Suitcase in Point, Essential Collective Theatre, Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre, Foster Festival, the venerable Shaw Festival Theatre (Niagara-onthe-Lake) and the Stratford Festival Academy (Stratford) provide opportunities to learn, explore, take risks and achieve your goals as an artist.
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ADMISSIONS CHECKLIST OUAC code
Programs and degrees
Co-op
Required Grade 12 subjects
Recommended subjects (not required for entry)
Expected admission average 2020
BT
Dramatic Arts (BA)
Yes
ADA4M
mid-70s Co-op option: high 70s to low 80s
BAI
Concurrent BA (Honours): BEd Intermediate/Senior – Dramatic Arts
BAJ
Concurrent BA Integrated Studies (Honours): BEd Junior/Intermediate – Dramatic Arts as teachable subject
ENG4U. Applicants are required to take part in the DART Invitational. See page 10 and visit brocku.ca/dramatic-arts for more information. ENG 4U, one 4U math DART Invitational audition required, see above.
BM
Music (BA) (BMus)
BAJ
Concurrent BA Integrated Studies (Honours): BEd Junior/Intermediate – Music (vocal) as teachable subject
high 70s
ENG 4U, one 4U math ENG4U. An audition is required for the BMus program. A theory placement test (RCM Level 7 Theory) must be passed. See page 16 and visit brocku.ca/music for more information.
One from the following list: 4U history, philosophy, classical studies or international language.
mid-70s
high 70s
ENG 4U, one 4U math
BAC
Studies in Arts and Culture (BA Honours) Studies in Arts and Culture (BA Pass) Studies in Arts and Culture (Combined Major Honours) Studies in Arts and Culture (Combined Major Pass)
ENG4U. Students apply directly to the BA Honours in Studies in Arts and Culture.
One from the following list: 4U history, philosophy, classical studies or international language (strongly recommended)
mid-70s
BR
Visual Arts – History of Art and Visual Culture (BA)
ENG4U. Students apply directly to the BA Honours in History of Art and Visual Culture.
One from the following list:4U history, philosophy, classical studies or international language (strongly recommended)
mid-70s
One from the following list: 4U history, philosophy, classical studies or international language
mid-70s
No portfolio required. BR
Visual Arts — Studio Art (BA)
BAI
Concurrent BA (Honours) BEd Intermediate/Senior – Visual Arts
BAJ
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low 80s
Concurrent BA Integrated Studies (Honours): BEd Junior/Intermediate – Visual Arts as teachable subject
ENG4U. A portfolio is required by Feb.5, 2021. For more information, see page 26 and visit brocku.ca/visual-arts
low 80s
ENG 4U, one 4U math Portfolio required. See above. high 70s ENG 4U, one 4U math
MARILYN I. WALKER SCHOOL OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS
COME FOR A
VISIT
We’re only a short drive away. Hamilton and Buffalo........ 30 min. Toronto ................................ 1 hour London and Barrie.............. 2 hours Kingston and Windsor....... 3 hours Ottawa................................. 5 hours
Visit discover.brocku.ca/tours/
Fall Preview Nov. 9, 2020
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20
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Interested in a tour of our facilities?
Ni
March Break Tours March 2021
Toronto 1 hour
The Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts is located in downtown St. Catharines at 15 Artists’ Common.
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N.Y.
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Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine & Performing Arts 15 Artists’ Common St. Catharines, ON L2R 4H5 brocku.ca/miwsfpa
Brock University
Brock Central @ The Registrar’s Office
Niagara Region 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1
Third floor of Schmon Tower (Main campus)
905 688 5550 x4293 futurestudent@brocku.ca
Monday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 905 688 5550 x3052 905 988 5488 futurestudent@brocku.ca
brocku.ca
brocku.ca/registrar
