In New Zealand we have two main types of post-secondary institutions: Universities and Polytechnics. Polytechnics used to be technical training institutes offering qualifications up to diploma level (2 years FT study); due to some policy changes and liberalisations in the 1990's however this all changed and they started being accredited to give full degrees (Bachelors and Masters).
A lot of my friends are artists and this has enabled me to observe the results of the different training people received. My friends who have been through their BFA/BVA from polytechnics are much, much more accopmlished now, post-school, than those who went through high-brow, university art schools (particularly ELAM, in Auckland). The emphasis on concept at the university schools is so overwhelming and (apparently) contagious for these students that they forget about craft. The friends at the polytechnics received a more balanced education, with a heavy emphasis on craft while still covering concept, and they're doing far, far better now.
The only ones who seemed to survive the concept-heavy BFA and actually produce sustainable work seem to be those who were so technically accomplished going in that they could afford to take a few years off, thinking lofty thoughts, and not affect their craft too much.
A lot of my friends are artists and this has enabled me to observe the results of the different training people received. My friends who have been through their BFA/BVA from polytechnics are much, much more accopmlished now, post-school, than those who went through high-brow, university art schools (particularly ELAM, in Auckland). The emphasis on concept at the university schools is so overwhelming and (apparently) contagious for these students that they forget about craft. The friends at the polytechnics received a more balanced education, with a heavy emphasis on craft while still covering concept, and they're doing far, far better now.
The only ones who seemed to survive the concept-heavy BFA and actually produce sustainable work seem to be those who were so technically accomplished going in that they could afford to take a few years off, thinking lofty thoughts, and not affect their craft too much.