Fibres & Material Practices (BFA)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Why study Fibres & Material Practices?
If you are interested in the technical and creative potential of the textile arts, then our program is a place for you to develop a personal voice in this dynamic form of expression. Drawing from a rich heritage of materials and processes, we encourage new ways of thinking. You'll consider current issues of sustainability, new technologies, labour and craft, along with experimental approaches and global and historical implications. You'll also imagine how material practice can be used to communicate your individual identity in contemporary culture.
Our professional facilities include a fibre structures studio for weaving, felt-making and basketry; a print and dye workshop; and a papermaking studio. As a student in this program, you'll benefit from:
- Small classes promoting personal expression and critical discussion
- An open and inclusive environment that encourages interdisciplinary approaches
- Freedom to pursue thematic and material interests
- Independent study at the advanced level
- Professional internships and other opportunities to enhance your technical expertise
You’ll leave our program with an expert combination of technical processes and the critical faculties of a contemporary artist.
Program details
A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.
Program option:
- Major in Fibres and Material Practices (60 credits)
The Fibres and Material Practices program allows for a rigorous and comprehensive study of the technical, conceptual and creative aspects of current fibres practices. Students draw on diverse cultural or social research and a rich history of textile traditions to produce critically engaged artworks that use interdisciplinary, social, relational and performance elements.
Classes are small to promote personal expression and critical discussion and the open studio format supports the development of each student’s body of work. Students are introduced to a broad range of fibres structure processes and printing and dyeing techniques including:
- hand construction
- loom and off loom woven structures
- silk screen printing
- relief printing
- discharge and resist dyeing
- embellishment
- papermaking
At the intermediate level, you may choose from special topics courses that explore contemporary theoretical, critical, and practical issues. Independent study, professional internships, and advanced fibres courses will help you create a personal body of work as you refine technical expertise, and develop visual and critical concerns.
See detailed degree requirements in the Undergraduate Calendar.
This program is only available for Fall admission.
Minimum cut-off averages
- Quebec CEGEP: DEC
- High School: C+
- University Transfers (internal/external): C
- Bacc. français: 11
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma:26
Course requirements for admission
None. You must meet Concordia’s minimum admission requirements.
Additional requirements for admission
Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.
If you are applying to more than one Fine Arts Studio Arts program, you may use one portfolio and letter of intent except for Intermedia and Photography.
NOTE: PHOTOGRAPHY and INTERMEDIA applicants – See SPECIFIC PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENT under each program page)
The portfolio of artwork for admission to a Studio Arts program should be a collection of your best and most recent work in visual arts. It should represent your individual interests, abilities and explorations. Consider visual, conceptual, and technical proficiency in selecting your best and most recent work.
Your portfolio should contain:
- Minimum number of portfolio items: 15.
- Maximum number of portfolio items: 20.
- Each portfolio item must be a single digital file.
- Either recently completed or currently in progress.
- Include work that demonstrates your ability to work in a variety of media, in both two and three dimensions. Examples include drawings, paintings, prints, collage and other mixed media work, sculpture, ceramics, and fibres work.
- You may also include photographs, animation, film, video, audio recordings, and documentation of performance art.
- Please tailor your portfolio to the specific program area to which you are applying.
- Your work should show evidence of both technical skill and conceptual development. Basic abilities in drawing, composition and color-use must be demonstrated.
- You may not submit your portfolio via email or through other websites.
Letter of intent
Your letter of intent should be no longer than one page and written in English or French. In general, it should describe your educational background and any relevant experience in art, as well as your expectations in relation to the programs to which you are applying.
- What are your reasons for applying to this program? If you are particularly interested in an area within Studio Arts, please indicate why.
- Describe your educational background and any relevant experience.
- What are your goals and expectations in relation to this program?
We consider complete applications year round and we give priority to applicants who apply by official deadlines. Late applications will be considered if places are still available for the fall term only.
| You've sent your application from: | Fall term deadline | Winter term deadline |
| Inside Canada | March 1 Certain programs have extended their deadlines. Please check program availability. |
N/A Admission to this program is only available for the Fall Term. |
| Outside Canada (International) |
February 1 | N/A |
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
Sample classes
- Fibre Structures
- Textile Printing and Dyeing
- Paper: Surface and Object
- History of Textile Art and Aspects of the History of Textile Art
- Special Topics Courses such as Extreme Fibres, Transformative Cloth, Textiles and Identity or Digital Technologies and Material Practices.
Course descriptions
Browse all Studio Arts course descriptions in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Faculty members
Student work drives the creative energy in the Faculty of Fine Arts, and you’ll have many opportunities to exhibit your work in art festivals and exhibitions at on-campus venues such as the FOFA and VAV galleries.
To see what current students are working on, visit our events page.
Our well-equipped studios and labs allow you to develop technical skills and discover more about your craft.
- Fibres Structures Studio
- Industrial and electronic sewing machines
- Printing and Dyeing Studio
- Paper-Making Studio
- Computer Lab
Discover the full range of equipment available in each of these facilities.
You will graduate with the knowledge and discipline required for a creative and productive life. You’ll have creative problem-solving skills, know how to think critically about your work, and have the necessary leadership skills required for entrepreneurial endeavours. Your degree can lead to many paths such as:
- Graduate studies
- Practising studio artist
- Art and design for artisanal or commercial production
