This qualification reflects the role of visual artists who combine specialised technical, creative and conceptual skills to prepare for and develop an emerging arts practice. They are able to plan and realise a body of work in one or more art forms. Visual arts practice at this level is underpinned by a sound grasp of art theory and history and the ability to critically analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources. Discourse and communication around complex ideas are also required.
Visual artists work in a wide range of contexts across the arts and other industries. They are often sole practitioners but may also hold positions in government or commercial organisations.
Artists work within and across many media, and their practice may incorporate ceramics, digital art, glasswork, drawing and illustration, jewellery making, painting, photomedia, printmaking, sculpture, textile design and wood design.
Subjects
Total number of units = 15
6 core units plus
9 elective units
The elective units consist of:
3 units from Group A
2 units from Group B
of the remaining 4 units:
up to 4 may be from Group A and/or Group B
up to 4 may be from a Certificate IV or above in any currently endorsed Training Package
up to 2 may be from an accredited course at Diploma level.
The elective units chosen must be relevant to the work outcome and meet local industry needs.
Core units
CUVACD501A Refine drawing and other visual representation tools
The following examples are designed to assist in the selection of appropriate electives for particular outcomes at this level, but are in no way prescriptive.
Artist specialising in illustration
Core units plus:
BSBWOR501B Manage personal work priorities and professional development
MEM19036A Use specialised techniques to produce jewellery and objects
MEM19038A Apply traditional techniques to jewellery and 3D object production
Pathways...
Pathways into the qualification
It is highly recommended that people entering this qualification possess a Certificate IV qualification in visual arts or a related discipline and have well-developed skills in a specialised art form.
Pathways from the qualification
This qualification prepares people for entry into work at a professional level. Its conceptual and theoretical content also supports learning at higher levels. People with CUV50111 Diploma of Visual Arts often engage in further learning in vocational and higher education through Advanced Diploma and Degree qualifications in a range of arts-related disciplines and beyond.
Entry Requirements
To enter this qualification, people must have the skills and knowledge described in the following unit of competency:
Those skills and knowledge may have been acquired through experience in creative practice or through formal study.
Licensing Information
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Employability Skills
The following table contains a summary of the employability skills as identified by the visual arts, craft and design industries for this qualification. The employability skills facets described here are broad industry requirements that may vary depending on qualification packaging options.
Employability skill
Industry/enterprise requirements for this qualification
Communication
responding appropriately to feedback on own skill development and performance
consulting with peers and mentors about a range of issues related to own practice
documenting own work
engaging in critical discourse with colleagues and peers
Teamwork
collaborating with others artists
sharing ideas
seeking feedback and guidance from mentors
Problem-solving
analysing complex information and responding with creative solutions
developing solutions for complex design challenges
balancing potentially conflicting needs
evaluating the effectiveness of solutions
Initiative and enterprise
working creatively with an art form
developing ideas from historical and contemporary research
achieving own individual style of creative expression
Planning and organising
planning a creative project
monitoring own work and introducing strategies to improve skills and knowledge
conducting a range of research to inform work projects
planning work tasks in a logical sequence
setting work and practice goals
planning for a sustainable professional practice
Self-management
developing goals for professional practice
taking responsibility for own professional development
monitoring own work and introducing strategies to improve performance
using knowledge of industry and legal frameworks within own practice
Learning
developing strong artistic technique
identifying opportunities to maintain and enhance industry knowledge
seeking feedback from colleagues and mentors
exploring and testing new approaches
participating in industry networks and professional development opportunities
Technology
using an extended range of materials and technologies relevant to specific creative practice
