Creative Social Ethics is an educational program and based at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa that is led by NSCAD Professor David B. Smith. The program partners with high schools from historically disadvantaged communities, and its goal is to make a tangible and meaningful impact upon the lives of individual learners, and in turn, the greater community as a whole.
One component of the Creative Social Ethics program is the Portfolio Development Workshop located at the Michaelis School of Fine Art. The workshop is designed for learners who wish to study arts-based disciplines at university (visual arts, design, architecture, etc.) but have never had the opportunity to develop the requisite skills or portfolio for admission.
Learners in grades 11 and 12 come to the program from various community high schools on a weekly basis throughout the school year to participate. The workshops are led by Dr. Roderick Sauls, a visual arts instructor and community artist, who is joined by Michaelis students and NSCAD students on the instructional team.
Educational assistantships
This is a unique opportunity for current undergraduate NSCAD students who have an interest in art education and teaching to spend three months in Winter/Spring 2026 or Winter/Spring 2027 in South Africa at the University of Cape Town.
The selected NSCAD students will be provided with studio space at the Michaelis School of Fine Art and will be given access to its facilities. Students will receive up to 15 credits toward their degree requirements (6 credits ARTS 3450 CSL/Internship and 3-9 credits ARTS 4010). The Creative Social Ethics program is privately funded thanks to the generosity of a friend to the university. Remuneration for students selected to participate in this assistantship includes round trip airfare to South Africa, student housing at the University Cape Town, and a living allowance. (note: regular NSCAD tuition and fees apply)
Qualifications
- Any full time undergraduate NSCAD student is eligible to apply (minimum 60 credits completed before the beginning of the semester in which they will be participating).
- Applicants must have an interest in art education and working with teens.
- While there are no discipline specific skills requirements, students interested in applying should be well versed in a wide array of visual arts practices.
- Prospective applicants should have an interest in developing creative projects with limited resources and equipment.
- A collaborative approach to working, teaching, and good interpersonal skills are essential.
- Interested students should have a level of maturity and responsibility that is appropriate for working with learners from historically disadvantaged communities.
Application process
Please send a letter of interest outlining qualifications to: cse@nscad.ca by Friday, September 26, 2025. Your letter should specifically address:
- how your past experience and qualifications would enhance the program
- what you hope to gain from the experience
- the names and contact information of two references – at least one must be a current NSCAD faculty member
- the semester for which you wish to apply (Winter 2026 or Winter 2027).
Students selected for an interview will be contacted shortly after the deadline.
Photos: Cynthia Fraschetti – NSCAD student participant 2022