Media Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Concentration*
Reimagine perception by connecting sound, video and digital technologies.
| Type | Credits | Duration | Format | School and Department |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Fine Arts – Studio Art | 120 | 4 years, Full-time | In-person, studio | School of Craft and Emerging Media (SCEM) |
| Secondary Concentration, BFA or BDes | 15 | 2 years (completed alongside primary degree |
Step into an expansive creative environment where art, technology and imagination collide. In AUArts’ Media Arts concentration, you’ll experiment with video, sound, performance, coding, interactive objects and VR. Collaborate with artists and technologists as you expand your practice and shape the future of creative media.
Program Overview
Media Arts at AUArts lets you break creative boundaries with hands-on, cross-disciplinary learning. Explore time-based and interactive art forms using sensors, circuits, video, sound, performance and digital media. With support from faculty who are practicing artists, you’ll develop the technical skills, conceptual depth and confidence to create installations, performances, interactive pieces and new-media experiences that stand out.
Program Highlights
- From Video Art to VR: Start by making short films, audio pieces and motion graphics, then move on to build interactive objects, installations and immersive environments.
- Hack, Code, and Create: Dive into digital interventions—learn coding, electronics and patch-based programming to make art that responds, senses and surprises.
- Sensor Magic: Build and program your own interactive objects using sensors, triggers and Arduino—turn everyday materials into responsive artworks.
- Performance & Installation: Integrate sound, video and live performance through projection mapping, spatial audio and experimental narrative.
- Theory Meets Practice: Engage in seminars where contemporary media theory, art criticism, and philosophy directly inform your creative projects.
- Leadership in Critique: Lead group critiques, present your research and work, and contribute to the discourse shaping the future of media arts.
Learning Outcomes
Media Arts graduates will demonstrate the ability to:
- Produce innovative work using digital, interactive and time-based media.
- Integrate technology and artistic vision in original projects.
- Critique and analyze the impact of media on culture and society.
- Collaborate in creative and technical teams.
- Build and present a professional, future-ready portfolio.
- Adapt and innovate in a rapidly evolving field.
Faculty
Faculty are practicing artists, technologists and innovators. Supported by dedicated technicians with expertise in media production, electronics and emerging technologies.
Faculty
Alumni
AUArts Media Arts graduates launch creative careers as independent artists, new media designers, video producers, curators, app and experience designers, creative technologists, sound artists, educators and more.
Media Arts Alumni
Studio Facilities
The Media Arts studio facilities are set up as a research and creative production environment, promoting vibrancy and variety in critical thinking and making.
- Studios include installation and projection spaces, gallery and screening rooms, 8 channel audio, vr and multi-purpose spaces
- Media production studios including one large studio with green screen, tracking dolly, jib, lighting kits, 8 channel audio, projection screen, and one smaller studio with edit suites and audio recording studio using Ableton Live.
- Electronics lab with soldering stations, lathe, sensor and circuit production materials, and access to computers for Arduino programming.
- Fully equipped Mac lab with production computers for programing, audio and video editing, projection mapping and interactive media.
- Individual studio spaces for 300 and 400 level students.
- Object Design spaces feature a laser cutter, 3D printers, CNC machine
Career Paths
Media Arts graduates work in galleries, production companies, tech start-ups and the broader creative industries—leading the way in media innovation.
Potential career opportunities include:
- Performance Installation Artist
- Video Producer
- Multimedia Artist
- Experience Designer
- Product/Industrial Designer
- Creative Technologist
- Sound/Audio Designer
- New Media/VR Designer
- Arts Administrator & Educator
- App or Interaction Designer
- Digital Storyteller
- Filmmakers & Directors
Culture & Community
Media Arts is a community who reimagine technology, transform perception and create new forms of connection.
Beyond the classroom
- Work-Integrated Learning: Opportunities for internships and job placements with local studios, festivals or non-profits.
- Community & Events: Join student-run clubs, discord chats or attend on-campus events, visiting artist lectures and workshops.
- Awards & Scholarships: Receive financial support through scholarships, awards, paid call-for-submissions and funding for creative projects.
- Academic Resources: One-on-one faculty mentorship and access to technical support. Plus, full access to AUArts' Writing Centre, Luke Lindoe Library and Learning Commons.
About the Media Arts Concentration
The Media Arts concentration explores artistic expression through devices and technologies including sensors, circuits, video, film, sound, performance and multimedia. As you develop your artistic vision, you’ll learn to harness these tools in ways that expand both form and meaning. Students may choose to focus on time-based art or interactivity, building a practice that blurs boundaries and pushes contemporary media forward.
