Is the Orientation course right for me?
The Orientation course is intended for people who are serious and motivated regarding visual resources, but do not yet have sufficient material for a portfolio. Participants are aged between 16 and 50, and can attend all classes at our academy in Amsterdam.
What does the programme entail?
Throughout the year, you take course modules, each covering a specific area of the visual arts and design, such as drawing, painting, mixed media, design and sculpture. The course modules are taught by artists and designers who stimulate, coach and advise you. On the basis of weekly assignments, research and work meetings, you learn to reflect on your work, as well as on the visual arts and design in general. You also have the opportunity to work in the workshops and visit galleries and museums. You can also take theory lessons from the Gerrit Rietveld Academie, provided by Studium Generale Rietveld Academie (an extensive transdisciplinary theory programme that addresses students and faculty at all departments of the Gerrit Rietveld Academie).
How much time will I spend on the course?
The Orientation course starts at the end of September and runs until mid-May, with a total of 25 classes on Saturday afternoon from noon to 5.00 PM. In addition to having classes at the academy on Saturday afternoons, you will work on a home assignment for about 1 half-day per week.
What are my options if I complete the Orientation course?
During the course, you will find out whether you want to study at an art academy, and whether you can apply for admission to the Gerrit Rietveld Academie or another art training course. During the course, you have the opportunity to participate in a preliminary, internal interview to assess whether you are ready for suitable for participation in the admission procedure for the bachelor's programme.
What language are the lessons taught in?
Since around a quarter of the participants are not Dutch, the classes are in English.
What measures against Covid does the academy observe?
The entire academy observes national and regional security measures, which we adopt as a matter of course. Currently, this means that we teach in larger classrooms or spread over two classrooms. In the event of a lockdown, we have an online platform ready for teaching. We previously did this in March, April and May 2020.
How do I apply?
Fill out your application here . After submitting your application, you will receive an automatic e-mail confirmation with a home assignment. About 5 days before the admission interview, you will receive an invitation e-mail confirming the time of your admission interview.
When are the admission interviews held?
In June. Note: If there are still course places available after the admissions round in June, there will be an extra admission round in September. More information about this will be published on our website before end June.
What should I expect at the admission interview?
The Orientation course is preceded by a selection process based on the work you bring and a conversation with a tutor. The work that you show can consist of sketches, doodles, drawings, photos, videos and spatial work, and it is important that you do the home assignment sent to you. We also ask you to write a short motivation in advance. Admission interviews will take place online when necessary.
When does the Orientation course start?
The Orientation course usually starts late September.
What is the course fee?
Course fee 2024 - 2025: € 1295. The course fee for 2025-2026 is yet to be determined.
PLEASE NOTE: the course fee must be transferred in one go (before the start of the course). It is not possible to pay in instalments. Participation in the Orientation course does not entitle you to student finance.
What’s an example of an assignment?
Assignments can be open or closed. We alternate this, because you may learn and work better with a closed assignment, while a classmate does better with an open assignment. An example for a sculpture or mixed media assignment is to make a three-dimensional object from a printed image, cut and folded. Another example is to make one working chair from two broken chairs.