How to Apply
 How to Apply
If you wish to apply to the Visual Arts Program at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland, you must submit the following:
- a MUN General Undergraduate Application for Admission
- an Application for Admission to the BFA (Visual Arts) Program
- a selection of samples of artwork (see Your Portfolio below)
- a brief written statement (see Application and Letter of Intent below)
Students must satisfy the admission requirements of the university and the visual arts program before being able to take Visual Arts Studio classes.
Each year we accept 25 first-year students who show the highest commitment to their work and who's academic standing show potential for success at Memorial University. If you do not make it into the program one year, you can build your portfolio and try again the following year. If you cannot register for the Visual Arts studio courses, you may still enroll in other Memorial courses, including the Art History courses and electives required in Visual Arts. Good performance in these courses, plus the re-submission of a new portfolio, will greatly improve your chances the following year.
Admission Requirements
- Academic requirements:
Applicants will meet the regular admission requirements of Memorial University. See How to Apply to Grenfell Campus.
- Portfolio submission:
All applicants will be required to submit a portfolio of previous art work and a completed Departmental application form before March 1st of the year in which entry is sought. Although it is assumed that applicants will have had no previous formal training in art, evidence of suitability for study in the visual arts is required. Instructions for the submission of portfolios will be provided by the Department of Visual Arts upon request. Enrollment in the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Arts) program is limited and selection is competitive.
- Transfers from other universities/colleges:
See the Memorial University Calendar or consult the Grenfell College Registrar's Office.
Application and Letter of Intent
The application to the BFA (Visual Arts) Program at Grenfell Campus must be accompanied with a brief statement explaining why you are interested in enrolling in the Visual Arts program. Please explain why studying Art and achieving the degree (BFA) is important to you. Although this written statement should be brief, it should try to describe your goals accurately and sincerely. Applications, letters and portfolios must be received by March 1, preceding the Fall Semester in which you wish to start. Please be sure to send applications and portfolios directly to the Registrar at Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook. You can print and use the mailing label we provide on this website.
Students who have studied in the Visual Arts Program at College of the North Atlantic should inquire about our Transfer Agreement with that institution. Students who have started a visual arts program at another university would likely receive credit for some or all of their successfully completed course work. Please direct inquiries to the Visual Arts Program Chair.
Your Portfolio
New Applicants
Students applying to the Visual Arts Program for the first time must submit, by March 1, a portfolio of work that best demonstrates their current artistic skills and interests. A portfolio is simply a collection of examples of your artwork. By the word "portfolio" we do not mean to emphasize the packaging or presentation. We suggest some specific items within the portfolio to encourage a broad range of work. In this way we can see where you have potential and interest. We also encourage, however, a neat and orderly package, one that best protects your work and illustrates your skills.
The subject matter is open, but it is advisable to show a variety of approaches and subjects. If you usually like to draw one kind of thing, expand your approach to include other subject matter in order to show us your versatility. Work directly from life whenever possible.
The materials you choose are also open, but once again we encourage you to try a variety of media such as pencil or graphite, charcoal, inks, pen/felt pen, pastel, acrylic or oil paints, watercolour, collage, prints, photographs, sculptures, short video, fibre arts, etc.
Some basic requirements for each portfolio:
- Artworks created from observation of actual objects, places, or people.
- Artworks that explore an idea or point of view
The range and quality of work is the best indicator of your ongoing commitment to art making. We suggest you send a minimum of ten pieces but encourage you to send as much as you can. Be sure the packaging is reusable, clearly labelled with your name, return address and phone number. Also be sure that your name is somewhere on the back of each piece submitted. Lists of the work included, slide or image lists, and descriptions are also useful and help keep everything together.
You should also consider including a photographic record of work that may be too bulky or inappropriate to send. Slides, colour prints, or digital images of drawings, sculptures, murals, paintings, etc. are acceptable and encouraged. For digital files, please see our guidelines for submitting work in digital formats.
Some things to avoid in a portfolio:
- A whole portfolio of one thing, one medium or one approach.
- Too much copy work, that is, work copied from comic books, graphic novels, anime or magazines. Express your originality, explore your surroundings. A drawing of your friend is a better indicator of your skills than a copy of a cartoon character, no matter how "perfect."
- Very old work that bears little or no relation to your current level of skill or understanding.
- A tattered or careless presentation.
Re-application to the Program
If you voluntarily withdrew or were required to withdraw from the Grenfell Campus Visual Arts program or from Memorial University, you must re-apply to re-enter. Acceptance for re-entry should not be assumed as automatic. You must also re-submit a portfolio as well. In this case, it is very important to submit work which is a complete and accurate indication of the best work from your time at Grenfell College and any additional work you may have done. If you were required to withdraw for academic reasons, it is very important that you submit a portfolio which indicates an increased commitment to art making through on-going art practice. A shabby or minimal portfolio will not be a good indicator that you are ready to re-enter the program.
Advanced Standing
Students applying to enter the program and seeking advance credits in some studio areas, should contact the Visual Arts Department to arrange an interview (if possible) and to find out the extent of the portfolio work needed to make an assessment. Advance credits are usually restricted to other university level visual art courses. Credit for studio courses from non-university programs may be considered individually and in consultation with the Head of Fine Arts and the faculty who teach in those areas here at Grenfell. In cases when a straight credit transfer is not possible, a more extensive portfolio will be required for each studio course for which credit is sought. Please contact the department for advice if you wish to apply for advanced standing in the visual arts studio program.
Inquiries
Feel free to call us at any time for advice or information on how or when to apply. Phone the Department of Visual Arts at (709) 637-6223 or fax us at (709) 637-6203. You may e-mail inquiries to the Visual Arts Program Chair. For application forms or registration information, call the Grenfell Campus Registrar at (709) 637-6298.
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