Introduction

The Department of Art & Design was started as a University College of Textile Designing for women in 1982. It was a progressive idea in the context of Higher Education AJK which was meant to provide advanced options of professional development for merchandized segment of society at that time. The B.F.A (four year) classes were started in 2005 and disciplines of visual ‘Communication Design Textile Designing and Painting have been Introduced. The BFA program is being conducted under the Semester system comprising eight semesters. A unique feature of this program is that it represents a balanced blend of classical and modern trends, theoretical and practical knowledge related to the field of Art and Design, the following three disciplines have been introduced;

• Painting
• Textile Design
• Visual Communication Design

The Department of Art and Design welcomes students who wish to collaborate with their immediate areas as well as embrace regional or world-wide opportunities in various fields of art. Diverse subjects graphic, digital arts, digital designs, textile design, printing, fashion designing , painting , photograph, sculpture- art histories through a range of classes are taught by recognized experts, designers and artists. The Department of Art & Design has great potential to expand in diverse fields/ subjects which are of great relevance to the present day needs of the top market. It has been set up with an aim to provide the students with the best academic life to meet the challenges of practical life in the relevant field of profession.

Students Resources

Art & Design students have considerable access to the facilities they need to create, learn and excel in their studies. Whether a student need to learn ‘communication tools, develop sculpture, print a fabric, or prepare a final project for review; the faculty has a resource in place to help. The Rota print machine- a traditional printing press studio where students have access to state- of art equipment including two color printers, cutter etc. Students can use camera, multimedia and other computer services of relevant faculty member for their projects. Students seeking academic advice can meet with instructors in their offices. Beyond the studio, networking opportunities with fellow students, faculty, alumni and professional flourish through the department of Art and Design. Students may also choose from a variety of internship opportunities including media, fashion and advertising agencies.

Collaboration Cultural Celebrations

Department of Art and Design adoptive a culture that values collaborative (for art and art appreciations) at all levels: across disciplines; among faculty, staff and students within university or with other universities of region. Besides this students and faculty of Department carried out joint activities (exhibitions, poster campaigns etc.) with various AJK Govt. Departments on various cultural and social issues.

Cultural Celebrations

Dept. of Art and Design celebrates various cultural events with their own uniqueness and way of expressions combined with an awareness and respect of local values and traditions. Theses Cultural events help to strengthen the intellectual environment and support youth commitment for the promotion of national ‘identity. The University involved other AJK Govt. Departments for the promotion of Cultural heritage which create an awareness about importance of traditions.

Commercial Linkages

Students of Art and Design used to participate on national level for different activities and professional tasks which enhanced their confidence and provide them chance to get practical experience in market. During course of studies students -used to in touch as internees with Textile mills, advertising agencies, Media, art galleries, cultural academies and Govt. Departments: small industries, Tourism archaeology. This department is also organizing the workshops & seminars in collaboration with AJK TAVTA, ECO & PNCA. Department of Art & Design has signed M.O.U with MINTEX (Ministry of Textile Industry, GOP) to facilitate the local industrialists and artisans to boost this centuries -old Kashmiri heritage and to introduce Kashmiri art & Craft, it become part of the international market. Several exhibitions with the collaboration of TDAP (Trade Development Authority Pakistan) have also taken place at commercial level.

Interprenuership & Job Opportunities

Art and Design graduates develop a range of practical and creative skills and gain valuable experience of entering exhibitions , competitions and building up of portfolio work which help them to get internships. Internees of Art and Design experienced to link with advertising agencies, textile industries (Sitara Textiles, Kohinoor textile mills Ltd, Al Meezan Arts, Digital Print Zone etc.) and Art galleries .Job directly related to Art and Design degree include: Advertising Art director, Textile Designer, Commercial art gallery manger, Festivals/ exhibition Designer, Fine arts, Graphic Designer, Museum/gallery exhibition officer, print make, school teacher, Instructor small industries, Art Historian and culture preservationist etc. This degree would be also useful for other jobs which include: Animator, Arts administrator, Concept artist, Interior and spatial designer.

Fine Arts graduates play an important role in education department , publications , industries, media and other advertising agencies. Textile and fashion industry depends on textile designing. This skill is market oriented. In this age of competition; designing skill can capture the market. Besides the field of employment BFA graduates can establish their own commercial art and design studios or business centers.

Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don’t restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

MOU signed with PIFD (pakistan institute of fashion design). and MOU signed with SDC (skill development council islamabad) will be add in Commercial linkages..

Contact Details

Phone: 92-5822-962328

Email: arts@ajku.edu.pk