NorskBA Norwegian Folk Art
In the first year, with a basis in local design culture, students will learn to create their own products and develop skills in creative work and instruction. The first year aims to provide students with a theoretical and practical introduction to Norwegian folk art. By “folk art”, we mean those material art forms that have been developed in Norwegian rural areas up until the present day.
In the second year, the programme attempts to adopt elements from folk culture into a present day context in order to create good contemporary products. The second year includes a common component that will provide students with experience and insight into the creative processes of folk art, the communication of cultural and traditional material and R & D work.
In the third year, the student will be able to work on individual problems in the autumn semester, as a basis for the final specialisation assignment in the spring semester. The further development of skills in using materials in creative activities, and the ability to combine techniques and aesthetic expertise, will be emphasised.
Several former students are now active within the fields of the folk arts and arts and crafts. Others are employed in teaching positions in schools of various kinds, or combine active practice of folk arts and arts and crafts with other professions. Depending on which specialisation was chosen as part of their degree, graduates may find careers as communicators in the cultural sector, or as handicraft consultants etc. This programme may be combined with other higher-education programmes such as teacher education programmes, cultural programmes etc. The programme gives access to the international network of folk arts, which may open the way for future careers. The programme qualifies students for admission to the Master’s degree in Traditional Arts.