Creating and compiling a strong portfolio in support of your application for an arts or design based higher education course is essential! Your portfolio needs to showcase your creative skills and ability, range of practice and communicate clearly your enthusiasm and interest in the visual and applied arts.

This is a five-day course for young people from Argyll & Bute in years S5 and S6 or above (the minimum age requirement is 16) wanting to prepare and compile a portfolio to apply for the creative higher education course of their choice.  

The course will provide you with the space, time and opportunity to explore the creation of your portfolio. You will:

• build and enhance existing core skills and techniques including drawing, painting, printing and construction

• research, develop and realise ideas into two and three-dimensional artworks

• explore and investigate materials and processes complimentary to those you are doing in your studies

• take forward and express personal creative interests appropriate to your application

• gain an understanding of what should be in your portfolio and how to present it

• demonstrate a knowledge of contemporary arts and design practice and position your work within it 

• be provided with guidance to support the continued development of your portfolio in your own time

Former residents, artist Douglas Morland and ceramic designer Laura Lightbody, both graduates of The Glasgow School of Art, will deliver the course via talks, studio based briefs / tasks and short projects, supported by sketchbook work and individual / group critical reviews. In addition, tutors will lead an informative creative excursion to Glasgow to visit galleries, exhibitions or studios as well as a tour of The Glasgow School of Art with staff and an opportunity to meet undergraduate students and view portfolios.

Objects from Untitled Film, c.1928-30 (2016), Douglas Morland

Taking place at Cove Park, Scotland’s international artists residency centre, the 50-acre site provides a unique, inspiring and dedicated setting for the course. You will have access to studios, a workshop, creative spaces and the library. Basic materials, tools and equipment will be provided and participants will be sent a list of items to bring with them in advance. Lunch will be provided on the first day and light refreshments at breaks each day.

Cube Vases (2016), Laura Lightbody

You can attend the course in three ways:

Non-Resident

• Daily attendance of the five-day course

• Full access to the site, basic materials, tools and equipment

• Access to the Artist Centre's fully equipped kitchen to prepare your lunches

Resident in Individual Self-Catering Accommodation

• Daily attendance of the five-day course plus four nights in individual, self-catering accommodation with private basic kitchen, en-suite bathroom and living space.

• Full access to the site, basic materials, tools and equipment

• Access to the Artist Centre's fully equipped kitchen to prepare meals

Resident in shared self-catering accommodation

• Daily attendance of the five-day course with four nights in shared self-catering accommodation (sharing with one other participant), with shared private basic kitchen, shared en-suite bathroom and shared living space

• Full access to the site, basic materials, tools and equipment

• Access to the Artist Centre's fully equipped kitchen to prepare meals

When booking, please make sure you select the right ticket for how you wish to attend. Please note, we offer a full refund if you cancel your place at least 14 days prior to the course start date, after this a refund is unavailable unless in exceptional circumstances or we cancel the event.

Image: photographer, Sian McQueen

Please note, the course will take place in the Artist Centre and studios around the 50-acre rural site. If you have any queries about accessing the Cove Park site please contact Cove Park in advance.

Create Your Portfolio is part of Hands-On Cove Park, a programme of creative events, workshops and talks for people in Argyll & Bute. Find out more about the programme and sign up for updates here and see details of current activities here.

Hands-On Cove Park is funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and The Robertson Trust. Additional funding from Argyll Youth Arts and The Bridge Awards supports the delivery of Create Your Portfolio.