Fine arts courses in Kenya [All you need to know]

Below is all you need to know about fine arts courses in Kenya including the best fine art schools in Kenya and fine art requirements...

Fine arts courses in Kenya [All you need to know]

First, what is fine arts all about?

Now, Fine Art is a form of art that has everything to do with beauty/aesthetics and entails the production of visually captivating drawings, paintings, sculptures, sketches, crafts, and other artistic items for aesthetic value.

Of course, you might know that a person who practices this artistry is called a fine artist/visual artist- and they may display their work in curio shops, galleries, and hotel lobbies, and other specific exhibitions.

One more thing: In Fine art, you use your skills (including creativity and imagination) to express ideas in tangible/visual arts.

What opportunities are there for graduates of Fine arts courses in Kenya?

A course in fine art might lead you to a fulfilling career as a renowned artist, an illustrator, an arts teacher, or even an animator.

It is also a very helpful support course for students who are intending to pursue careers in fashion design, architecture, and other areas that involve commercial/technical drawing.

Fine arts course list in Kenya and qualifications for fine arts courses in Kenya

Fine arts is definitely one of the best art courses in Kenya and it might be worth pursuing if you feel that your future lies in arts.

Here now is a list of fine arts courses you can pursue in Kenya:

Short courses in Fine Art

If you just want the basics, you can take a 3-months course in Fine Arts.

This course is offered by a couple of fine art schools in Kenya including VisualDo institute.

And the good thing is that you can be admitted into the course with even an E grade(it’s open to everyone).

Here is what you’ll learn:

• Color mixing & blending
• Drawing and painting
• Rendering and shading
• Hatching

Certificate in Fine Arts

The next step is taking a certificate course in fine arts and again you can take the course at VisualDo Institute.

Keep in mind that you need a D- (at least) to get admitted and you will learn for 9 months(3 semesters).

Here is what you’ll learn:

First semester	Second semester	Third semester
*        Color Mixing & Blending *        Sculpture, Drawing, and Painting 1 *        Rendering and Shading	*        Sculpture, Drawing, and Painting 2 *        Scribbling and Stippling *        Communication Skills	*        Project 1 *        Computer Studies

 

Diploma in fine arts in Kenya

A diploma is perhaps the very minimum qualification you should have if you want to compete for  the biggest and well-paying jobs.

There are three institutions I recommend if you want to take diploma in fine arts:

• BuruBuru Institute of Fine Arts(BIFA)
• VisualDo Institute
• Kenyatta University

Here are the entry requirements:

KCSE mean grade: C-

Please note that you need a C plain (KCSE mean grade) for a diploma in fine arts in Kenyatta University.

Other acceptable qualifications:

Certificate in Art and Design+C plain(KCSE mean grade)

OR

C Plain(KCSE mean grade) Along with a good portfolio of artworks

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Fine Arts

If you want to go higher, you can take a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts at Kenyatta University– the course leads to a range of careers in Fine Arts and the Design industry.

Minimum entry requirements

KCSE mean grade: C+ (plus) – plus a C (plain) in Art & Design. If you don’t have Art & Design, you need a good portfolio of artworks(you show these to the selection panel for assessment).

Other acceptable qualifications:

KCSE mean grade: C (plain) plus a Diploma in Art& Design from any recognized institution.

Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) in Fine Art

If you want to be a teacher of fine arts, consider taking a B.Ed in Fine Arts.

You need the same qualifications as a BA in Fine Arts though you can also be admitted with a C plain(KCSE Mean Grade) plus P1/S1/or Diploma in Education (from any recognized Institution) along with provable experience in Art & Design.

Fine art colleges in Kenya

As I had mentioned, the following are some of the best good fine art schools in Kenya:

BuruBuru Institute of Fine Arts(BIFA)

Visit their website here

VisualDo Institute

Go here to get more details about Fine Art Courses at VisualDo Institute in Nairobi.

Kenyatta University

Here is a link to KU fine art and design courses.

In fact, you can advance to Masters in Fine Arts at KU or even to a PhD. in Fine Arts so keep that in mind.

Key skills and Interests required to pursue a career in fine arts

• Creativity and imagination
• Attention to details
• Self-drive
• Patience
• Team-spirit
• Effective communication skills
• Talent
• Passion for art

What career/job/profession entails

A fine art artist engages in the following activities, among others:

• Preparing paintings, murals, and sketches for clients, art competitions, and art galleries.
• Developing illustrations for journals, magazines, online publications, and more
• Developing creative concepts for crafts, interior décor, advertising materials, mass media projects such as shows, and corporate branding.

Career prospects for fine art graduates

Degree holders

• Art Trainer
• Gallery Director
• Art Critic
• Museum Director
• Interior Design Consultant
• Art Director
• Graphic Designer
• Professional Photographer
• Special effects technician
• Concept artist

Diploma holders

• Desktop Publishing (DTP)Operator
• Sculptor
• Curator
• Fabricator
• Wood Artist
• Interior Decorator
• Fashion Accessory
• Art Teacher
• Weaver
• Brand Artist
• Multimedia Artist
• Animator
• Graffiti Artist