Invest in Our Creative Future

In 2026, Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) will celebrate 100 years of shaping the creative landscape. This milestone highlights our long-standing impact on creativity, innovation, and cultural identity in Alberta and the world. 

To mark this historic occasion, AUArts is launching the Centennial Scholarships  Campaign—an ambitious $5 million initiative  to provide tuition-free scholarships for the next generation of diverse artists, craftspersons,  and designers. An unprecedented $1 million donation from a visionary Anonymous Alumni Donor has initiated the campaign’s success.

About AUArts:

Programs:

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Design, Master of Fine Arts in Craft Media

The only art, craft and design university in Alberta and the Prairies, and one of four in Canada

AUArts embraces a rich mix of backgrounds, with students from 41 countries and an average age of 24, reflecting a range of cultures, identities and perspectives.

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A Century of Creativity and Leadership

Key Milestones:

  • 1926: Founded as Provincial Institute of Technology and Art (PITA).
  • 1960: Transitioned to Alberta College of Art (ACA).
  • 1995: Later became Alberta College of Art + Design (ACAD).
  • 2019: Gained university status as Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts).

Since 1926, over 8,000 AUArts alumni have shaped visual culture globally, driving innovation and enriching Alberta’s cultural identity.

Yet, financial barriers remain a challenge. Many students juggle part-time jobs, detracting from  their focus on creative excellence. Despite one of the lowest tuition rates in Canada, some cannot afford to enrol or complete their studies. Other institutions lure top talent with tuition-free  scholarships, a competitive edge AUArts must now match to retain Alberta’s brightest minds.

 

“I wouldn’t have attended without the tuition-free scholarships I received. It allowed me to focus on creativity and launch my career." 

–  Jeff de Boer, Class of 1988

Internationally renowned sculptor and multimedia creative.

Close-up of a hand engraving a floral design on metal, with a bold '100' in colorful typography above, celebrating AUArts' centennial milestone.

Support the Scholarships Campaign

The $5 million Centennial Scholarships Campaign will:

  • Establish $1 million endowment for tuition-free scholarships.
  • Create 100 full-tuition scholarships of $25,000 each.
  • Provide 100 one-year scholarships of $5,000 each.
  • Match a $1 million donation from an anonymous alumni donor.


Ways to Give:

Donate Now

Contact us if you have inquiries or wish to donate by cheque, phone or by the publicly traded Gift of Securities Transfer form. 

donations@auarts.ca or 

Four quadrants featuring the number '100' in bold colors, overlaid on sketches, paintings, and abstract artwork, celebrating AUArts' centennial
 

*Donations over $20 will receive a charitable tax receipt.

Charitable Registration No. 10669 2981 RR001

Alberta University of the Arts Centennial Logo

A Legacy of Creativity and Innovation

AUArts is vital to educating the next generation of creatives. By supporting this campaign, you’ll help remove financial barriers for the province’s most promising talent.

Your investment in AUArts is an investment in Alberta’s future.

Together, we’ll build the foundation for another century of creative excellence.