The Artistic Journey: Exploring Fine Arts at the University of the Free State

 In our second interview with Johandi du Plessis, a lecturer at UFS and the prestigious recipient of the NYC Scholarship, we delve deeper into what makes the Bachelor of Fine Arts at UFS unique and who it’s ideally suited for. Listen here: 

The Ideal Candidate for Fine Arts at UFS

“The ideal candidate for the Fine Arts programme at UFS is a creative individual who is highly motivated, curious, and open to exploring and experimenting,” explains Johandi du Plessis. “This person should have a passion for exploring and expressing ideas through visual means and using their imagination. Additionally, having an entrepreneurial acumen is beneficial, as it helps students navigate and create opportunities in the professional art world.”

Career Opportunities for Fine Arts Graduates

A degree in Fine Arts from UFS opens doors to a myriad of career opportunities. Graduates can pursue various professional paths, including:

• Professional Artist: Establishing themselves in the art world through exhibitions and sales.
• Freelance Artist: Offering artistic services on a project-by-project basis.
• Entrepreneur: Starting their own art-related business ventures.
• Illustrator: Creating illustrations for children’s books, medical, botanical, or other scientific textbooks and magazines.
• Art Gallery Owner or Dealer: Running or managing galleries and dealing in art sales.
• Curator, Advisor, or Researcher: Working with public and private collections to curate and manage art.
• Designer or Planner: Organising art exhibitions or festivals.
• Graphic Designer: Applying artistic skills in the design industry.
• Government Official: Contributing to departments such as Art and Culture.
• Art Educator: Teaching and inspiring the next generation of artists.

Exhibition Exposure and Upcoming Events

“UFS provides students with ample exhibition exposure,” Johandi notes. “There are several art galleries on campus that host exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing professional art from across the country and even internationally.”

Among the numerous events, a notable one is the safari of exhibitions held on 1 July, which is a free event allowing attendees to engage with art and fellow art lovers. This event provides a unique platform for students and prospective students to witness a diverse array of fine art exhibitions.

The year 2024 marks a significant milestone for the Fine Arts Department at UFS, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. “To celebrate our golden jubilee, we will be hosting an exciting exhibition and a series of events in the first week of August,” Johandi announces. “The exhibition will feature works by alumni and staff members, including renowned artists such as Pauline Gütter, Elrie Joubert, and David Griessel.”

The opening of this exhibition is set for 1 August, and it will be on display for two weeks. The event will be free and open to the public, inviting everyone to partake in the celebrations. “Please keep a lookout for updates and news on our Instagram and Facebook pages,” Johandi adds.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts programme at UFS not only equips students with the technical and conceptual skills necessary for a successful career in the arts but also provides them with numerous opportunities to showcase their work and engage with the artistic community. With its 50-year legacy and commitment to fostering creativity, UFS continues to be a beacon for aspiring artists.

For more information about the programme and upcoming events, be sure to follow Ufsfinearts on Instagram and the Fine Arts Department, University of the Free State on Facebook.

To find out more about applications at the University of the Free State visit: https://www.ufs.ac.za/humanities/departments-and-divisions/fine-arts-home