Alberta University of the Arts marked its centennial with an evening of creativity, connection and community as hundreds of alumni, students, faculty, staff, supporters, partners and friends returned to campus on October 1 to celebrate 100 years of AUArts.
More than 1,350 people attended the AUArts Centennial Celebration, filling the campus with exhibitions, demonstrations, hands-on creative activities, conversations and opportunities to reconnect with the University and with one another.
Made possible with sponsorship from the Calgary Arts Development Authority Ltd. (CADA), the celebration was the culmination of AUArts’ centennial year and offered an occasion to reflect on the people and ideas that have contributed to the University over the last 100 years.
“Over the past century, AUArts has been shaped by the creativity, passion and generosity of our community. This celebration brought that community together in a meaningful way and reminded us that the University's greatest strength has always been its people. As we look ahead, we are grateful to everyone who has helped build AUArts and excited about what the next generation of artists, designers and makers will create.”
- Dr. Janis Goldie, President and CEO of Alberta University of the Arts
A centennial investment to support AUArts’ future
The Honourable Myles McDougall, M.L.A., Minister of Advanced Education, represented the Government of Alberta at the event and announced a $5M investment that will support campus and infrastructure enhancements for learning, collaboration, creative practice and outreach. These improvements will help ensure AUArts can continue its legacy of training the talent that energizes culture, art and creative careers.
“For 100 years, AUArts has given students a unique place to learn, pursue their passions, and drive creative industries in Alberta and beyond. Our government is proud to invest in its future and help ensure the next generation of artists and creators have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive over the next 100 years.”
- The Honourable Myles McDougall, M.L.A., Minister of Advanced Education
“AUArts is grateful for this investment, and we appreciate the Government’s support and recognition of the importance of creative education as an economic engine within the province,” said Goldie. “With this valuable funding, we will continue to deliver educational excellence in art, craft and design for Alberta, Canada and the world.”
Looking back on a century of impact
From its roots in Calgary’s early art education community to its role today as Alberta’s leading university dedicated to art, craft and design, AUArts has helped generations of artists, designers and makers develop their practices, find their voices and contribute to communities across Alberta and beyond.
The centennial celebration brought that history to life throughout campus.
Guests explored the AUArts Tech Show, toured Bookends at Illingworth Kerr Gallery, visited studios and workshops, and experienced the technology and creativity behind object design in the Thing Tank. The evening also highlighted the contributions of AUArts alumni, including artists whose work has shaped Alberta’s cultural landscape and creative economy.
Hands-on activities invited guests to try their hand at creative practices, while the Lodgepole Center provided a space to learn, connect and celebrate Indigenous art, design and storytelling. Attendees also got a sneak peek at artwork donated by prominent artists, alumni and gallerists for the auction hosted by LEVIS Fine Art Auctions & Appraisals, which will go live from October 19-31. Proceeds from this auction will help fund centennial scholarships and awards, allowing more students to access arts education.
The centennial celebration was made possible with the sponsorship of the Calgary Arts Development Authority Ltd. (CADA). AUArts is grateful for CADA’s support that brought the community together to recognize the important relationship between arts education, artists and Calgary’s broader cultural ecosystem.
“Calgary Arts Development was thrilled to be part of the 100th Anniversary celebration at AUArts. Artists are our storytellers and our meaning makers, and in this current world we live in, we need art and artists now more than ever. The presence of artists in our city is critical to our well-being, our identity and our future.
We are so proud to be in a city that is home to one of only four universities in Canada dedicated to art, craft and design, and the role AUArts plays in the arts ecosystem is critical. Many leading artists — past, present and future — will have started their journeys at AUArts. Calgary Arts Development offers heartfelt congratulations on your first 100 years, and wishes you every success, inspiration and joy in the next 100 and beyond.”
- Kirsten Schrader, Director, Public Art, CADA
Celebrating the people behind 100 years
At the heart of the celebration was the AUArts community.
Alumni reconnected with former classmates and instructors. Students shared their work and experiences with visitors. Faculty and staff welcomed guests into studios and learning spaces. Supporters, partners and friends of the University gathered to celebrate the role they have played in AUArts’ story.
The evening also recognized the many people whose contributions have made AUArts what it is today, from faculty and technicians to artists, designers, makers, donors, volunteers, community partners and generations of students and graduates.
The evening concluded a year of centennial activities that invited the AUArts community and the broader public to reflect on the University’s history and imagine its future.
As AUArts begins its next century, the Centennial Celebration offered a reminder of the lasting impact of art, design and craft education — and of the community that continues to make that impact possible.
After 100 years, AUArts’ story continues to be written by the artists, designers, makers, faculty, students, alumni and communities who believe in the power of creativity to shape what comes next.