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, Design and Creative Industries are nationally recognized for their studio-based learning, cross-disciplinary exploration and real-world application.
Students choose from a range of specialized concentrations, combining creative practice with critical thinking, digital skills, and industry experience.
Every degree is built to help students develop a strong creative voice and professional experience. AUArts' graduates leave with the skills, experience and adaptability to succeed in today’s evolving creative economy.
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.
As technology, economies and society shift, critical and creative thinking, design and innovation expertise, and highly specialized hands-on skills are increasingly valuable.
AUArts graduates are uniquely positioned to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving future.
🎯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, storytellers and innovators equipped with the skills to adapt, collaborate and lead 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
Robyn Weatherley
Art will always be a huge part of my life. In an ideal world I would have a full-time studio practice that includes teaching, travel and periodic residencies and workshops.
Robyn Weatherley
Tom Bagley
Nicole Burisch
Curator, artist, critic, researcher, public speaker—these are just a few of the adjectives that describe the work of Nicole Burisch.
Nicole Burisch.
Katy Whitt
I love shooting horses and horse jumping, even though that is commercial for me. You can’t make a horse look bad. They’re wonderful subjects.
Katy WhittHave 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).
