CEWIL Resource Hub: Field Placement at OCAD University

Digital Painting & Expanded Animation (DPXA) students enrolled in the third-year placement course Learning in the Field apply to create a feature-length animation accompanying an annual public performance by the Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra. The course instructor maps the project deliverables to course work and overall learning objectives. The Centre for Emerging Artists and Designers provides support for students to develop professional skills to take on this complex project. The project is lead by an industry mentor (and a graduate of the DPXA program) who helps students draw links between their tasks and the professional environment.

No content found

No content found

No content found

Key success factors

  • The program receives engaged support from the industry mentor, community partner, instructor, and the Centre for Emerging Artists and Designers.
  • Personal learning plans allow students to track their progress and develop reflective skills.

Unique characteristics

  • The Centre for Emerging Artists and Designers works with students to help them understand their skillset and objectives and help find experiential opportunities that align with their goals.
  • The placement represents a unique collaboration between artistic fields.

Challenges

  • It's tough to find the right community partner and establish truly reciprocal relationships.
  • Expectations need to be managed for both students and partners.
  • There can be a reflection learning curve for some students who may have assumptions about reflection. The benefit of this experience
  • is to develop professional skills through working with a client and industry mentor, which is achieved through the reflective exercises.  

Resources

Key characteristics

  • Type: Applied Research Project
  • Year program was established: 2018
  • Number of students per year: 12
  • Number of employers/partners per year: 1
  • Programs/academic disciplines participating: Digital painting and expanded animation
  • Duration of experience: 120 hours
  • Submitted by: Zev Farber