This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2025-2026 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
Jody Symula
Program lead
arts.vcu.edu/programs/art-foundation
The Art Foundation Program (AFO) fosters the development of every student by cultivating their curiosity and unique perspectives. This first-year studio experience promotes the discovery of passions and aptitudes within a supportive community of faculty and peers. Students take risks, learn by doing and explore new modes of working and thinking. Faculty develop and model generative and generous methods of feedback to sharpen students’ perceptions and deepen understanding. The curriculum exists within a larger forum of ideas and creative practices, providing concepts and skills relevant to a wide range of disciplines. AFO provides opportunities that empower students to make informed and inspired decisions about their future path of study. AFO is committed to equity and strives to be an inclusive and accessible learning experience for all students.
Art foundation is a first-year program. AFO studio courses are a prerequisite for entry into art education, communication arts, craft and material studies, fashion design, graphic design, interior design, kinetic imaging, painting and printmaking, photography and film, and sculpture and extended media.
AFO students will select their major through the major declaration the semester they are on track to complete the art foundation requirements. Only students who meet minimum requirements and submit the major declaration with all required components by the deadline will be guaranteed their major choice; late submissions will not be accepted.
Continuing students may request to take courses at another institution; approval will be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Admission
All applicants must submit an application and a portfolio to be considered for entry to the Art Foundation Program. The portfolio is a crucial part of the application process. It should present 12 to 16 works of art created within the past two years and demonstrate artistic commitment, skill, curiosity and creativity.
Admitted first-year students with 100-level studio dual enrollment transfer credit will have their portfolios, course descriptions and transcripts evaluated individually to determine any art foundation course equivalents.
Transfer students admitted into the Art Foundation Program will have their portfolios, course descriptions and transcripts evaluated individually to determine any art foundation course equivalents. Official up-to-date transcripts submitted by the School of the Arts transfer application deadline determine eligibility for admission into AFO.
Readmission applicants must include a portfolio that includes recent work while not enrolled at VCU. Successful completion of coursework at another institution is preferred.
Learning outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will:
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Develop new skills through an immersive studio experience.
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Cultivate unique perspectives and aptitudes within the diverse scope of art and design disciplines.
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Expand communication and critical thinking skills by engaging in constructive critical discourse.
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Apply concepts introduced by contemporary practitioners in studio work.
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Apply learning to relevant professional development opportunities both within and outside the studio.
Requirements for Art Foundation Program
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Art Foundation studios | ||
| ARTF 131 | Drawing Studio | 3 |
| ARTF 132 | Surface Research | 3 |
| ARTF 133 | Space Research | 3 |
| ARTF 134 | Time Studio | 3 |
| Major exploration | ||
| ARTF 138 | Project Seminar | 2 |
| or ARTF 139 | Project Studio | |
| Art History component | ||
| ARTH 103 & ARTH 104 | Survey of Art I and Survey of Art II | 6 |
| Total Hours | 20 | |
The is a sample plan of the Art Foundation Program, please consult with your adviser for details. Please note the Art Foundation studio and research courses are not sequential.
Recommended course sequence/plan of study
| Freshman year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall semester | Hours | |
| ARTF 131 | Drawing Studio | 3 |
| ARTF 133 | Space Research | 3 |
| ARTF 138 or ARTF 139 | Project Seminar or Project Studio | 1 |
| ARTH 103 | Survey of Art I | 3 |
UNIV 111  Play course video for Introduction to Focused Inquiry: Investigation and Communication | Introduction to Focused Inquiry: Investigation and Communication | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| ARTF 132 | Surface Research | 3 |
| ARTF 134 | Time Studio | 3 |
| ARTF 138 or ARTF 139 | Project Seminar or Project Studio | 1 |
| ARTH 104 | Survey of Art II | 3 |
| UNIV 112 Play course video for Focused Inquiry II | Focused Inquiry II | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Total Hours: | 32 | |