The field of art is profoundly rooted in history, dating back to the paleolithic era, and it has consistently transformed alongside human development.
Today, art encompasses a massive range of study, including modern forms like photography, animation, game design, fashion design, interior design, and even virtual reality art.
For aspiring artists, attending an art school is the crucial step necessary to master their skills and develop their abilities.
Canada has become a major destination for loads of artists and international students seeking high-quality education, a reasonable price, and a strong reputation in the arts. Below is a detailed look at some of the top art schools in Canada.
1. OCAD University
OCAD University, formally known as Ontario College of Arts and Design University, holds the first-string position due to the innumerable and richest programs in visual art and design all across Canada.
Situated in the center of Toronto, OCAD annually welcomes thousands of international students intending to become successful artists.
The university has a reputation for producing some of the best artists and designers who excel across many art fields.
Students are accommodated comfortably in studios where they can easily express and pour out their creativity. OCAD offers five primary degrees: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Design, Master of Arts, Master of Fine Arts, and Master of Design.
2. The University of Toronto
The Department of Visual Studies at the University of Toronto is widely admired and recognized as a reliable institution, particularly for its interdisciplinary studies in history and theory that relate essentially to the study of visuals.
The department dedicates its energy to exploring the evolution of images and visualizations. Students have the opportunity to explore a broad range of courses, including multimedia, animations, film television, architecture, art, and consumer culture.
Furthermore, art students can enroll in degree programs in Art and Art History, granting them the privilege of participating in joint programs, such as those with the Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning.
3. The Alberta University of the Arts
Known formerly as the Alberta College of Art and Design, this institution is frequently referred to by native students as the Alberta University of the Arts. It stands out among its peers because it features the lowest fee for art and design studies.
The university’s accomplished professors and unique art facilities successfully attract students from all over the world.
Students have the liberty to select from undergraduate and graduate study options across many disciplines, including sculpture, drawings, media arts, and paintings. Among the well-prepared degrees offered are the Bachelor of Arts Degree and the Bachelor of Design.
4. Concordia University
Choosing to study fine arts at Concordia University is often considered a smart decision because the institution houses nine departments where students can freely find their professional niche and succeed long-term.
The Faculty of Fine Arts provides diverse programs across the performing, cinematic, digital, historic arts, and artistic studios.
Students can earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree through the Department of Visual Arts, which features many exceptional courses.
Furthermore, artists frequently visit the campus to hold webinars for undergraduate students. The Department of Studio Arts is noted for offering innovative approaches to the creation of contemporary art, and graduate studies include a Master of Fine Arts with a plethora of specialization options.
5. The NSCAD University
The NSCAD University, which stands for Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, is recognized globally for offering the best facilities to “art maniacs”. Importantly, this college is identified as one of the earliest cultural institutions in Canada.
Undergraduate and graduate students can focus on plentiful study areas such as Critical Studies, Art History, Media Arts, Craft, and Design.
Undergraduate students must begin their first two semesters with the Foundation Study program, which establishes a strong base in visual arts and prepares them for future academic endeavors.
The institution guarantees all necessary equipment, including film production apparatus, studio spaces, and sets of clothes.
6. Yukon School of Visual Arts
Since transitioning from a community college into a public university, the Yukon School of Visual Arts has significantly increased its quality, especially concerning fine arts studies.
It offers a Foundation Year Program which is comparable to the first year of a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Elite students who hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree are eligible to transfer their studies to any of Yukon’s partner universities, which include OCAD University, NSCAD University, Emily Carr University, University of the Fraser Valley, and ACAD University.
The university provides six exceptional studio study courses along with four liberal study courses. Through continuous involvement in webinars, workshops, and training, students at the Yukon School of Visual Arts are prone to developing highly sought-after skills.
7. Ottawa School of Art
The Ottawa School of Art exists as a non-profit school and has gained a reputation for housing the majority of international students who come to Canada.
It is largely known for its wide variety of advantageous courses, which include subjects such as lithography, photography, sculpture, etching, ceramics, life drawing, and landscape painting.
The school offers several programs, including the Fine Arts Diploma (a three-year program) and the Portfolio Certificate.
The Arts Fundamentals Certificate Program is available exclusively at the Orleans Campus. Furthermore, the one-year certificate courses are considered a great opportunity for the development of contemporary artists.
Alicia Richards