City of Vancouver Proclaims Oct. 1, 2025, in Honour of Emily Carr University’s Centennial Anniversary
ECU staff, faculty and leadership join the City of Vancouver's Mayor and Council in the council chambers during a proclamation ceremony in honour of the university's centennial. (Photo by Perrin Grauer)
Posted on
The city’s Mayor and Council spoke in recognition of ECU’s century of community impact during a special ceremony at Vancouver City Hall.
On Oct. 7, 2025, the City of Vancouver’s Mayor and Council held a ceremony at Vancouver City Hall to proclaim Oct. 1, 2025, in honour of Emily Carr University of Art + Design’s (ECU) 100th anniversary.
The event was attended by university staff, faculty and leadership, and marked by speeches from President + Vice-Chancellor Dr. Trish Kelly and Vancouver City Councillors celebrating ECU’s impact in shaping the city’s past, present and future.
“I often say that arts and culture are unsung heroes in our city,” said Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung during the proclamation ceremony. “And certainly, they have an economic impact that should not be undervalued, but it really is so much more than that, and we're just incredibly grateful for all of the work you do in terms of supporting that next generation.”
Councillor Lisa Dominato echoed her colleague’s comments, noting her own daughters are among the many young people whose needs and aspirations are uniquely supported by creative education.
“What I hear a lot from young people in the school system is they want choices,” she said. “Having an institution like Emily Carr University in our city provides that space for young people to pursue their passions; to have an opportunity when maybe they don’t quite fit in the mould of other professions. That is so important for the future of our city and our residents. And what I see you bringing to the table is that choice for young people.”
Top: Councillor Pete Fry (centre) reads from the proclamation honouring ECU's centennial during the ceremony. | Bottom: President + Vice-Chancellor Trish Kelly addresses attendees. (Photos by Perrin Grauer)
President Kelly noted the dedication of the ECU community to directing their diverse and innovative creative practices toward advancing a more equitable, sustainable and collaborative future.
“This milestone is an extension of our students, our faculty, our staff, our alumni and partners who have helped to make this moment possible. We wouldn't be where we are today without the power of our community, and our centennial is an opportunity to unite us all once again in celebration,” she said.
“Some might think it bold of me to say that creativity and curiosity can save the world, but daily, I get to see firsthand that it does. Art and design education doesn't just produce artists and designers. It builds problem-solvers, innovators, storytellers, and changemakers. It inspires people to see the world differently and to imagine how it can be better, what we can do together to make it better. On behalf of Emily Carr University of Design, I want to thank the city of Vancouver, the Mayor and City Councillors for helping us to recognize this milestone and to demonstrate our ongoing partnership with the city as we look forward to our next hundred years.”
ECU 100 celebrations will run from October 2025 to September 2026, with exhibitions, public programs, speaker series, alumni profiles, and community events anchoring the festivities.
Learn more about ECU’s centennial celebrations and join us at our events:
→ Experience ECU 100 Events + Exhibitions