For parents and teachers
🎨 Support the creative minds in your life.
Help future artists, designers and craftspeople reach their potential.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher or mentor, AUArts provides the tools, support and information you need to support your students post-secondary future.
Have more questions? Don’t hesitate to contact our admissions office - we're here to help!
Why AUArts?
AUArts is Alberta’s only dedicated art, craft and design university — a tight-knit creative community where students explore, experiment and excel.
Small class sizes, world-class facilities and personalized mentorship ensure every student is supported as both an artist and a person.
AUArts’ undergraduate programs in Fine Arts and Design are nationally recognized for their studio-intensive learning, cross-disciplinary exploration and hands-on experience.
Students choose from a range of specialized concentrations, combine creative interests and learn from practicing artists and designers who are leaders in their fields.
Every degree is built to help students develop a strong creative voice, professional portfolio and the confidence to launch meaningful careers in the arts and beyond.
We’re here to make sure every student thrives — academically, creatively and personally.
Academic support
Our advisors and learning specialists help students plan their studies, stay on track and reach their academic potential.
Explore academic advising and learning supportHealth and wellness
From counselling and accessibility services to wellness programming, we ensure all students have the support they need to stay healthy and focused.
Discover health and wellness servicesCommunity care
AUArts is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment where all students can create and learn with confidence
View community care & safetyFinancing your students education
Where creativity leads to career success
An AUArts education doesn’t just pay off creatively — it builds adaptable, future-ready graduates equipped for thriving careers in Canada’s growing creative economy.
Canada’s Economy: A growing market for creative talent.
| The arts and culture sector contributes $131 billion to Canada’s GDP and supports 1.1 million jobs nationwide. | Creative sector employment has grown by 10% since 2020. | Over the past three years, the arts and culture sector has grown by 8%, compared to 4% growth in the overall economy. | In Calgary (2023/24), 193 arts organizations generated $168 million in GDP, supported 1,387 full-time equivalent jobs and contributed $31 million in tax revenue. |
What this means for your student.
🧩Adaptable skills
At AUArts, students graduate with more than artistic talent — they develop the professional and creative skills employers value most. Through hands-on learning and mentorship, students:
- Develop strong communication, project management and collaboration skills.
- Gain real-world experience through exhibitions, workplace learning and community projects.
- Build a professional portfolio and artist’s statement, ready for creative careers or graduate studies.
🎯Career paths.
AUArts graduates bring creativity into every corner of the economy across all industries — from award winning local businesses to global brands and international organizations.
They’re creative problem-solvers and visual storytellers—skills employers value across industries, locally and globally.
🚀Entrepreneurship
AUArts grads don’t just find jobs — they create them.
Many launch design studios, agencies and award-winning businesses that power Alberta’s creative economy and employ future grads.
Others start artist-run centres, local galleries and studio spaces that keep creative communities thriving and connected.
🎨Creative practice
For students pursuing fine arts, AUArts opens doors to professional exhibitions, gallery representation and artistic recognition.
Alumni regularly exhibit and sell their work across Canada, with many represented in major collections and public art projects.
Graduate success stories
Kyoko Ariyoshi
Kyoko Ariyoshi | Human-Centric Business Designer
Kyoko AriyoshiShannon Rae Stratton
Shannon Stratton’s multi-disciplinary practice approaches organizing cultural platforms and events as collaborative, context-responsive acts of care.
Shannon Rae Stratton
Jeff de Boer
Jeff is a renowned sculptor and multimedia artist best known for his tiny medieval armour creations.
Jeff de Boer
Harlan House
He said that if you were joining the art world to be rich or famous, leave now. I stayed.
Harlan HouseHave questions?
Connect with our recruitment team
Do you have questions about our programs or application process? Would you like to discuss portfolio requirements?
You can schedule an appointment to meet online with one of our Recruitment Officers via MS Teams.
Available Monday to Thursday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm MST. (except during campus closure holidays).
