Alberta University of the Arts

Alberta University of the Arts Alberta University of the Arts is a leading centre for education and research, and a catalyst for creative inquiry and cultural development.

Alberta University of the Arts is located in Calgary on the North Hill overlooking the Bow River and the downtown skyline, in a 245,000 square foot building that was designed in 1973 specifically as an art college. AUArt's close proximity to downtown, via light rail transit, is a distinct advantage to our students, providing them with easy access to Calgary's galleries, museums and cultural events

. AUArt's is committed to a solid studio-based experience for students in fine art, design and new media - an experience balanced with relevant, complementary liberal studies and practical theory. The result is a rigorous studio program, which produces innovative thinkers, creative problem solvers, and visually talented students. AUArts creates a learning environment rich in character and extensive in quantity, quality and professional capability for its student body of artistic thinkers. AUArts studios are extremely spacious and classes are small, allowing for regular one-on-one interaction. Faculty and space-per-student ratios are among the best in the country. Within this environment, students receive the techniques, tools, intellectual stimulation and encouragement to discover and develop their own personal voice and passion. At AUArts, you’ll have the chance to collaborate with, and learn from, some of Canada’s most exciting artists and designers. With a vibrant community of award winning faculty, internationally recognized alumni mentors, and students who are as passionate about art and design as you are, you can’t help but be inspired.

June is National Indigenous History Month — a time to learn, reflect and celebrate the rich cultures, histories and cont...
06/02/2026

June is National Indigenous History Month — a time to learn, reflect and celebrate the rich cultures, histories and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.

The AUArts Library is proud to support and champion Indigenous culture, teachings, art, craft and design through a growing collection of books and resources. From art and activism to literature, history and politics, explore Indigenous voices and perspectives from across Canada and around the world.

Visit the library and discover a new read this month. 📚

https://www.auarts.ca/article/discover-indigenous-voices-at-the-auarts-library

Celebrate Pride Month with LGBTQ+ reads from the AUArts Library 🌈From art and design to history, culture and storytellin...
06/02/2026

Celebrate Pride Month with LGBTQ+ reads from the AUArts Library 🌈

From art and design to history, culture and storytelling, explore a wide range of LGBTQ+ books and resources available online and on our shelves. Discover new perspectives, inspiring voices and a few staff favourites along the way.

https://www.auarts.ca/article/celebrate-pride-month-with-lgbtq-reads

Congratulations to the AUArts Class of 2026 🎓On May 27, AUArts celebrated 185 graduates during a historic convocation ma...
06/01/2026

Congratulations to the AUArts Class of 2026 🎓

On May 27, AUArts celebrated 185 graduates during a historic convocation marking the University’s 100th year of art, craft and design education. The ceremony recognized outstanding student achievement, welcomed graduates into a community of more than 14,000 alumni, and looked ahead to the next century of creative impact.

The celebration also included the presentation of an Honorary Master of Fine Arts to legendary artist and musician Joni Mitchell.

We can’t wait to see what the Class of 2026 creates next!

Photos by Elyse Bouvier:
(1) Former student Joni Mitchell accepts her Honorary MFA
(2) President and CEO Dr. Janis Goldie
(3) Board Chair Adrian Stimson congratulated graduates as they walked the stage
(4) Student speaker and outgoing Students’ Association President Tanya Mryglod
(5) Faculty Emeritus Dr. Jennifer E. Salahub

https://www.auarts.ca/news/auarts-celebrates-2026-graduates-during-its-centennial-year

Reimagined: Future Stories from Past TreasuresNow to June 22 📍 Alberta Craft Calgary Gallery, cSPACE Marda LoopThis exhi...
05/31/2026

Reimagined: Future Stories from Past Treasures
Now to June 22
📍 Alberta Craft Calgary Gallery, cSPACE Marda Loop

This exhibition celebrates the creative reach of the AUArts community, bringing together alumni, faculty, instructors and students to reimagine contemporary jewellery through history, material transformation and personal narrative.

Using donated pieces from Alberta Craft’s “Bling Bucket,” participating artists transformed pre-loved jewellery into new works that carry traces of the past while imagining future stories. Exploring themes of memory, connection, loss and renewal, these works reflect the evolving role of adornment as a powerful form of expression.

Featuring work by AUArts alumni, faculty and community members including Crys Harse, Devon Clark, Jaime Kroeger, Jennea Frischke, Jennifer Park, Melissa Pedersen, Sarabeth Carnat, Shannon Neumann, Shona Rae, Sky Weir, Tara Owen and more.

https://www.auarts.ca/exhibition/reimagined-future-stories-from-past-treasures

Each year, AUArts graduates share their boldest ideas, creative explorations and final bodies of work at the annual Grad...
05/29/2026

Each year, AUArts graduates share their boldest ideas, creative explorations and final bodies of work at the annual Grad Show Exhibition — a rare opportunity to experience the breadth of practices emerging from AUArts studios.

This year, more than 120 graduating students exhibited work across multiple galleries and exhibition spaces throughout campus. From thoughtful storytelling to experimental making, Grad Show 2026 celebrates the creativity, skill and perspectives of AUArts’ newest graduates.

Don’t miss the last day on Saturday, May 30, from 12 to 4 p.m.

📸: Elyse Bouvier

https://www.auarts.ca/exhibition/auarts-grad-show-exhibition-2026

We’re sharing highlights from our 100-year journey — explore the full timeline at auarts100.ca. 1958 — Gallery opens. Li...
05/29/2026

We’re sharing highlights from our 100-year journey — explore the full timeline at auarts100.ca.

1958 — Gallery opens. Library takes shape. Community grows. 🖼️📚

In 1958, the Alberta College of Art Gallery opened as part of the College’s expanding facilities—establishing a dedicated exhibition space that would become central to its public presence and artistic legacy. Later renamed the Illingworth Kerr Gallery (IKG), it quickly built a strong exhibition history, showcasing Alberta artists alongside work from across Canada and beyond.

At the same time, an art library began to take shape. With the hiring of Rolf Ungstad in 1959 as Librarian and Assistant Instructor, the collection grew from almost nothing to more than 500 volumes within a decade — described as the beginnings of a “very fine library.”

This was also a time of experimentation and close-knit community. Printmaking expanded with new lithography and etching equipment. Students and faculty gathered at the Nicoll home in Bowness and at the Coste House, debating modern movements emerging in Montreal, New York, London and Paris.

Discover more stories from our first century at auarts100.ca.

Photo: Courtesy of the IKG Archive.

As AUArts marks 100 years as a global leader in art, craft and design education, we’re proud to celebrate the Class of 2...
05/28/2026

As AUArts marks 100 years as a global leader in art, craft and design education, we’re proud to celebrate the Class of 2026 during this historic centennial year.

Completing an art, craft or design degree takes strength, commitment, resilience and optimism. During their time at AUArts, these graduates challenged their own limits and invested in creativity, imagination and new ways of seeing the world.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! As you join generations of AUArts graduates who have shaped communities in Calgary, across Canada and around the world, we celebrate all that you’ve accomplished — and all that’s ahead.

Here’s to a lifelong journey of learning, exploring, creating and contributing. 🎓

📸: Elyse Bouvier

Break the routine and spend a week in our studios this summer! 🌞Our week-long Summer Personal Interest courses are perfe...
05/28/2026

Break the routine and spend a week in our studios this summer! 🌞

Our week-long Summer Personal Interest courses are perfect for anyone in need of a creative reset – offering dedicated studio time and space to slow down and reconnect with your craft. With expert instruction and a classroom full of like-minded artists, you’ll take part in guided projects and discussions designed to help you build confidence in your work.

Explore the full lineup and make the most out of your summer:
100 Drawings in a Week
Abstract Painting Week
Figure for the Week
Mixed Media & Collage Week
Open Jewellery Studio Week
Urban Sketching Week

Visit www.auarts.ca/personalinterest to register!

Asian History Month happens every May. It’s an opportunity to learn more about the diverse cultures and histories of the...
05/26/2026

Asian History Month happens every May. It’s an opportunity to learn more about the diverse cultures and histories of the Asian communities around the world.

Asian artists have impacted how we see, hear, feel, touch, and interpret our surroundings. You might not even realize it! It can be in the design of the dishes you use, the graphics you see in advertisements, how you approach art and interpret its meaning, or even ideas about social activism.

At AUArts Library, we have hundreds of books and other materials available that let users take a deep dive into the worlds of Asian artists and art movements, and into the impact they had on a wide range of cultural, economic, and political events in history. Below is a taste of what we have in the collection.

https://www.auarts.ca/article/exploring-asian-art-history

Visit the library and discover even more …

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1407/14 Avenue N. W
Calgary, AB
T2N4R3

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