Digital Portfolio applications should consist of digital documentation of the applicant’s work on a disc. This disc accompanied by the downloaded Artwork Identification Form, BFA Program Application Form and Personal Statement must be received in our office by the deadline date. Original artworks cannot be accepted by mail. Please note that discs and other materials will not be returned to applicants.   

Digital portfolios will take the form of CD or DVD discs clearly marked with the applicant’s name.  All application discs must be readable on both MAC OSX and PC platforms. Only the following digital file types are acceptable: JPEG, GIF, MOV, WAV, DOC, PDF. VHS videotapes are also acceptable but must be cued to the appropriate play position. The titles of each image file should be numerically prefaced (from 01 -12) to allow for proper sequencing of the image files and identification on the accompanying artwork identification form. If examples of time-based works are sampled from a larger work, such examples should be accompanied by a brief written description. 

URL links to personal websites may be included, provided the specific works on the site are being submitted for consideration and are clearly identified on the artwork identification form accompanying the application.

Portfolios prepared for interviews should include original artworks.  Digital, time-based and photographic media are welcomed.  Three dimensional pieces or artwork greater than 1 metre square cannot be accommodated, though digital documentation of such work is welcome to be brought in (please note  digital formatting restrictions above). A sketchbook may also be included as a record of development of ideas. Applicants preparing an interview portfolio should also complete the artwork identification form prior to their interview. All portfolio artworks and media should be clearly identified with the applicant’s name. Original works on paper should be kept flat (avoid rolling paper-based works).  Also works  liable to smudging should be fixed or mounted or interleafed with paper to  protect them. Please note that the portfolio will be presented by the applicant and then will be taken away by the applicant at the end of the interview.

Prospective students who have indicated their preference for a Portfolio Interview on the BFA Program Application Form will be notified by email later in February to confirm the interview date and time.  All interviews will be held in the John Labatt Visual Arts Centre on the Western Campus on Saturday, March 9, 2013. Interviews will be conducted by Studio Faculty of the Department and will be approximately 15 minutes in length. Applicants should prepare their portfolios in advance with careful reference to the portfolio interview requirements identified above.

All work presented in digital or interview portfolios must be accompanied by an Artwork Identification Form (downloadable PDF), clearly indicating the title, date, medium and size (or length of time) of the represented work. Artwork and/or documentation must be organized in a chronological order from earliest to most recent (01-12).

In addition to the Artwork Identification Form, applicants are required to complete the BFA Program Application Form and submit a 250-500 word typewritten Personal Statement. In this statement you should indicate your creative interests, influences and goals. You may wish to comment on any special interests or abilities that relate to studying in Visual Arts at The University of Western Ontario.

The focus of the Visual Arts studio program is on creative and critical approaches to contemporary visual artists’ practices. Artworks representing applied arts or crafts (i.e. jewellery, textile painting etc.) cannot be evaluated. The Portfolio Evaluation Committee will be looking for work that demonstrates creative curiosity, ambition and an ability to convey ideas or address issues in an imaginative and personally engaging manner. Aptitude, proficiency and experimental ambitions will be weighted equally. The work adjudicated for potential acceptance will be chosen on the basis of the applicant’s ability to convey ideas, interests, and material abilities.