Visual Arts

Clockwise from top: Sydney Pickering, Christina Norberg, Pamela K Jamieson.

Unbridled creativity meets unparalleled resources.

If you're seeking a one-of-a-kind university experience that is both flexible and rigorous, then the Visual Arts Major is for you.

Rather than commit to one medium, you'll have the chance to develop your artistic practice across five core areas: ceramics, drawing, painting, print media, and sculpture. You'll have the chance to explore many other practices too, including illustration, performance, photography, and curatorial practices.

What You Will Learn

For independent and fiercely creative students, Visual Arts offers exceptional freedom and choice. Here, you'll create your own academic pathway as you discover your strengths and interests as a visual artist. As you build your creative skills, you'll develop a deep understanding of how various art forms connect and intersect, and the history that informs today's practices.

Your faculty members, practicing artists who define the Canadian creative landscape, will guide you as you refine your techniques and follow your curiosity. After graduating, you'll have a mature and exceptional body of work to launch your career in visual arts.

“If you want to go out into the world and make this your profession, you have to know what you're all about. Art school sort of makes it so you can carve out that place for yourself, and that was a big part of it. Emily Carr gave me that community to draw from, gave me the drive, and gave me the language to put this whole thing together.”

Erin Boniferro, BFA 2003

Program Structure

Credits: 120
Year 1: First-Year Foundation Studies
Year 2-4: Visual Arts courses and electives
Designation: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Majoring in Visual Arts (BFA, Visual Arts)
Faculty: The Audain Faculty of Art

For application information, including admission requirements, see Admissions.

Example Courses

ILUS 206: Sequence and Ideation
VAST 220: Mobile Art Studio
CRAM 207: Ceramic Design
SCLP 310: Making + Thinking Through Sculpture
DRWG 308: Drawing Studio
FRMS 300: Art Forums
VAST 313: Heart of the Matter: Material Investigations in the Studio

Students also have the opportunity to complete a Minor.

Shops + Studios

Visual Arts students have access to our spacious and well-equipped shops and studios. Studio culture is at the heart of your educational experience at Emily Carr, as spaces where you can create, learn, collaborate, experiment, and play.

Each space is maintained by expert technical staff who collaborate with faculty and staff to provide students with instruction and guidance. Technical staff ensure safe and accessible working environments and lead instructional workshops to enhance your learning.

Beyond the Classroom

A BFA is about so much more than what you'll learn in the classroom—it's also about the vibrant community you'll join during your studies.

You'll be part of a dynamic arts community both locally and internationally. The Visual Arts Major is designed to give students as many opportunities as possible, including but not limited to:

On-campus exhibition space to present your work to the public
Regular speakers and events, like our Audain Artist in Residence
Networking events with notable artists
TA, RA, and apprenticeship opportunities with faculty
Industry experience and work-integrated learning opportunities facilitated by our Careers team
Connections with local studios, shops, and labs outside ECU

Meet Your Future Community

Preston Buffalo

An interdisciplinary Indigenous artist + current student.

Henry Tsang

A faculty member explores anti-Asian violence.

Erica Stocking

An alum creating performance art during lockdown.

Where ECU Can Take You

Graduates of the Visual Arts Major bring many in-demand skills to the job market, from advanced technical abilities to critical knowledge. Many pursue careers as visual artists, or find creative and commercial work while continuing with their own craft.

Upon graduation, students follow a variety of career paths and roles:

Practising artists
Teachers and educators
Members of art boards, foundations
Curators and gallerists
Entrepreneurs
Archivists
Art activists
Cultural critics
MFA and PhD studies in art, as well as social practice, education, curatorship, humanities, and other fields.

Prepare to Apply

The Audain Faculty of Art

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