
| South Africa & Online |

Taking artists further.
CAP Institute was founded in 2015 with the view to fill a gap in the art education market, namely to provide quality art tuition to those who cannot afford formal art education at a tertiary institution; to those seeking to gain selected knowledge or skills in a specific field but not wanting to complete a whole qualification; and to those who have been producing art but have not optimised their talent and skills or do not know how to access exhibition venues or the art market. The content of the tuition is based on a tertiary model of art tuition.
All over the world artists are producing art. Often without a formal qualification in art (meaning a college degree in art). Although a formal qualification in art will always remain first choice, many have not had the opportunity to study art or live in remote areas not close to training institutions. Art production is primarily a creative activity combined with marketing savvy. You need to be an entrepreneur to function fully as an artist. Therefore also, some formally trained artists don't become successful professionals because they have not learnt how to be entrepreneurs.
The CAP workshops and online courses cover all these skills needed to become a successful professional artist. Conceptual and creative development are provided, as well as basic and advanced thinking skills; art theory and history; and exhibition skills. The workshops are well known for academic rigour; interdisciplinary approach combining theory, history and practice; and focus on the personal development of each student.
The CAP course design is grounded in a tertiary model of art education, developed by Prof. Elfriede Dreyer, a well-known South African academic, mentor, curator, artist and CAP founder. She says: "The CAP methodology follows a tertiary model of teaching art grounded in my 30+ years experience of being a professor in art; writing course material for university students; developing new university degrees; accrediting course material with education authorities; founding and running a successful contemporary gallery for 10 years; curating exhibitions nationally and internationally at reputable galleries and museums; and on the side, making art myself.​ I hope you will find benefit by my courses and become a successful and productive artist.​" Read more about her.
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Improve your theoretical and practical skills
The CAP tuition programme is aimed at those wishing to improve practical skills in art making; gain more theoretical knowledge; and acquire professional skills related to the creative arts domain. The workshops and online programme are also suitable for artists that are already established exhibiting professionals, but wish to rejuvenate, refresh and update. We develop critical and creative thinking
All levels of artists are welcome, from beginner to postgraduate. The workshops usually contain a mix of self-taught artists to people to professionals with postgraduate degrees.
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Workshops
Physical workshops in Cape Town and Johannesburg, and Online Courses
The CAPl programme in contemporary art practice entails a specialist model of workshops and visual presentations. Specific objectives are:
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to improve technical competence;
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to gain theoretical and technical knowledge and insight;
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to develop critical reflection ability and resourcing methodologies;
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and to understand idea development processes.
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The workshops always contain art practice, art theory and art history, and are aimed at cultivating a deep understanding of the relationship between these entities. There is strong emphasis on gaining knowledge and understanding of contemporary art practices as well as conceptual and critical thinking. In this sense the workshops as well as the online short courses are unique in character by following a model of intertextuality and intermediality. ​The workshops consist of theoretical discussions; concept, creative and critical thinking development; training in digital and technical skills; and critical assessment. During each workshop a topic relevant to art production, art exhibition, art marketing or art writing is theorised and discussed. Each participant receives individual attention as well as learn through observing the development of the work of others and the discussion thereof.
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Online Education in Art
More than 50 students are currently enrolled for the CAP Online Short Course and Certificate Programme.
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Professional Art Consultation
Book a professional consultation on your art practice and ideas with Elfriede Dreyer.
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BOOK A PERSONAL CONSULTATION with prof. elfriede dreyer
For a personal crit on your art practice or for theoretical or conceptual guidance. Undergraduate, postgraduate and freelancing artists welcome.
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ACADEMIC QUALITY
Course content is based on an open university model of teaching visual arts
CONTENT
The course content integrates art practice, art theory, history of art and professional art practice.
CERTIFICATION
Certificates are issued on completion of the Certificate and each Short Course that reflects the content of the course as well as the CPD hours completed