Leith School of Art is opening a superb new campus which will be the base for its acclaimed Foundation Course.
The one-year course is recognised by students as the passport to art degree programmes of their choice.
LSA is also renowned for its outreach in areas of multiple deprivation and the opportunities it offers people with artistic talent who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access art courses and tuition.
The spacious new Albion Road Campus will be ready for this September’s intake of Art and Design Foundation Diploma students and will also host an expanded One Day Painting Course.
LSA is also working with the SQA to credit rate the School’s Art and Design Foundation Course at an SCQF Level 7 from September 2024.
This advanced level is equivalent to completion of the first year of a Scottish university degree, enabling LSA students to progress directly into the second year of their chosen art and design degree.
Nick Devison, The School’s Principal, said: “This is a landmark moment for Leith School of Art – the new campus will be an amazing place to study art, as a student on our Foundation Course, or any of the other courses which will be taught there.
“We are also celebrating lots of other good news – something that’s really welcome as art education generally is going through such tough times.
“It’s brilliant for students that they can take our Foundation Course and earn the credit points they need for progression into the second year of a degree course.
“And we are already in the position that our Foundation Course is so highly rated that 95% of graduates get into the university art degree course of their choice.
“All this underlines our commitment to offering the very best of art education to the people of Edinburgh.”
Located in a 19th-century former printworks at 66 Albion Road, the new campus provides a superbly lit 3,000 square foot studio and other facilities.
With the major works close to completion, a £30,000 fundraising appeal is underway to cover the costs of fully fitting out the building.
A campus launch event is taking place on Thursday featuring an exhibition of work by students on LSA’s Mentoring Course, which enables artists to further develop their work.
Val McLean, LSA Course Leader and Tutor, said: “We are delighted to be hosting our prestigious Mentoring Course end-of-year exhibition in this remarkable new space, as part of our campus launch celebrations.
“It’s a fantastic platform to showcase the outstanding work and artistic growth of our talented students. And I’m thrilled about our upcoming move to the new campus. With a larger cohort of students we have tremendous opportunities ahead.
“We can nurture the artistic development of more aspiring artists, collaborate on innovative teaching approaches, and craft a truly dynamic and enriching learning experience.”
An exhibition of work by the most recent intake of Foundation Course and year-long course students has also been taking place at LSA’s North Junction Street Campus, a former Norwegian Seamen’s Church.
Inès Ross, a Foundation Course graduate who is going to Falmouth University to study Fine Art, said: “I have had the experience of a lifetime, LSA has helped with my development as an artist and I’ve met so many amazing people this year, teachers, pupils and beyond.”
The School is currently working to increase the level of outreach work it does with secondary schools – mostly in areas of multiple deprivation through the LSA Schools Programme. One aim is to work with teachers to identify talented children at an early age and nurture them through to the stage where they are ready for university.
What students say about the Foundation Course
The Art and Design Foundation Diploma stands out for many reasons, including the excellent staff/student ratio, the emphasis on both arts practice and theory and the large amount of time students get to spend with tutors and in the studio. It is also closely tailored to the individual needs and interests of each student.
Sula Reid who went to LSA straight from school said: “Leith offered more than I could have hoped. I made friends for life and discovered so much about myself and my artistic capacity. Leith offers a space where you can truly be yourself. The guidance and dedication of the tutors is remarkable, they put so much love into their work.”
Erin Gibbons said: “LSA was so supportive and gave me the time to figure out exactly what I wanted to do. I would absolutely recommend LSA to everyone.”
Laura Bullock, a mature student who has been accepted to the Master’s programme at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design in Dundee said: “The dedicated support of the amazing team of experienced tutors and support staff was invaluable. Leith School of Art is such a special place to study, and the Foundation Course sits firmly in its heart and mine.”
Kathryn Adkins said: “The course has been incredible. I learned so much about a variety of art media and techniques. LSA provides a wonderful, safe and supportive environment.”
James Sinclair said: “The course pushed me out of my comfort zone and enabled me to expand my skills. Being part of a creative community has been inspirational.”
Shona McIntosh, a former Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist: “The Leith School of Art Foundation Year changed my life completely. After further studies I now practice as a conceptual artist, exhibit and sell my work and had a two-month residency on the Galápagos Islands. I could never have achieved this without LSA’s Foundation Course.”
Applications are still open for the 2024-25 Foundation Course. Information can be found here.
LSA offers bursaries and concessionary rates for students unable to afford the fees. See here.
- Launch event refreshments were sponsored by local companies, Moonwake Beer Co and Lind and Lime Gin Distillery, the event showcased a sample of Leith’s thriving independent business and art and culture scene; consolidating Leith’s reputation for being one of the UK’s coolest neighbourhoods.
Donations to Leith School of Art will be welcome here.
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