Interview with Kuljit Bhogal, Former Student of OCA Creative Arts
Open College of the Arts Empowers Beginners to Thrive in the Art World
The Open College of the Arts (OCA) offers a unique and accessible art education experience for individuals without a background in the arts. This institution, known for its supportive and flexible learning environment, fosters creativity, encourages interdisciplinary approaches, and leverages the benefits of online learning.
One such student, Kuch, graduated from OCA in 2024 with a BA in Creative Arts. Before joining OCA, Kuch had no art background. The college's inclusive approach, interdisciplinary course structure, and flexible part-time schedule drew him in.
During his BA, Kuch learned HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which laid the foundation for his subsequent MSc in Creative Technologies at Winchester School of Arts. This advanced degree allowed him to delve into AI, robotics, and critical theories about technology. As part of his MSc, Kuch created a micro game about masculinity, trains, and desire.
Kuch found the process of sharing work during group sessions, particularly the monthly Stage 3 sessions, incredibly beneficial. These sessions created a supportive community that helped him develop the skills needed to speak about his work effectively. The independence and self-motivation developed during distance learning have been beneficial for Kuch in sustaining his practice.
The OCA's emphasis on personalised instruction nurtured Kuch's creativity and allowed him to express himself uniquely. The college encourages students to build confidence in their creative abilities, rather than merely copying existing work. This focus on individual expression helped Kuch unlock his creative potential.
Moreover, the OCA promotes an interdisciplinary approach by allowing exploration across various art forms and mediums. Such exposure broadened Kuch's perspectives and enabled the integration of diverse artistic techniques and ideas. This interdisciplinary approach is not exclusive to the OCA; similar institutions, such as the London Art College, also emphasise these benefits for non-art-background learners.
The fully online format provides flexibility to study at one’s own pace and from any location, making art education accessible to those who might not have formal training or easy access to art institutions. Online tutoring and personalised feedback support learners regardless of prior experience, creating a relaxed, supportive environment ideal for beginners.
As Kuch prepares to complete his MSc in September, he reflects on his journey with the OCA as a highlight. Finishing the OCA degree encapsulated his entire learning journey and made him a rounder artist with extended skills. Kuch will look for relevant jobs after his MSc, but for now, he is busy completing his major project.
In conclusion, for those without previous art experience, studying with the Open College of the Arts likely provides a creative, interdisciplinary, and flexible online framework designed to help learners grow their artistic confidence and skills progressively.
The Open College of the Arts (OCA) fosters learning and self-development in an online education setting, offering a flexible and supportive environment for art education to individuals without a background in the arts. This empowering institution encourages students to progressively build their artistic skills and confidence, as evidenced by one student's journey who, after graduating with a BA in Creative Arts, pursued an MSc in Creative Technologies.
