Arts Renewal

in the Department of Art and Art History

What's happening?

The Faculty of Arts is embarking on an ambitious three-year Arts renewal process.

This process aligns with the strategic priorities outlined in Ahead of Tomorrow and the Arts Strategic Plan and is informed by the findings of the 2024 Faculty of Arts Unit Review. 

What does this mean for Art and Art History?

Current students will not be affected by this process

You'll be able to complete your degree, and we remain dedicated to supporting you on your academic journey.

Courses remain available and will continue to be offered. Visit the calendar for up to date information

MFA programs suspended

Starting Fall 2025 through June 30, 2027, with approval from the Ministry of Advanced Education, we have suspended the MFA programs in the Department of Art and Art History.

Teaching, research and creative practice

Teaching, research and creative practice in the visual arts will continue to play a vital role in the intellectual and creative life of the University—not only for specialists in these fields, but also for students from a wide range of disciplines, departments and Faculties.

Opportunity to work towards a shared vibrant and sustainable future

Faculty, staff, students, alumni and the wider community will work with the Faculty of Arts and the University of Calgary to explore new, imaginative and innovative disciplinary configurations and partnerships.

Suspended programs

Graduate (effective July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027)

  • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Thesis-based, Art, Drawing
  • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Thesis-based, Art, Media Art and Technology
  • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Thesis-based Art, Painting
  • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Thesis-based Art, Photography
  • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Thesis-based Art, Printmaking
  • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Thesis-based Art, Sculpture

Programs open for application

Undergraduate

Minors

Frequently asked questions

To refresh and reinvigorate the future of Arts at the University of Calgary.

Our goal for this process is to ensure our programs remain relevant:

  • to students
  • to communities
  • to the broader arts and creative industries, both in Alberta and beyond
  • to make a positive impact on our communities while attracting and retaining outstanding talent

The future is bright.

We're proud of our community and industry partner collaborations that ensure excellence across the Department of Art and Art History.

These relationships will be instrumental in our ambitious Arts renewal process.

We're excited to work with both new and longstanding alumni and partners from arts and creative industries to build a vibrant and sustainable future for visual arts in Calgary.

We're confident that this renewal will:

  • Invigorate programs and strengthen our capacity to support excellence in teaching, learning, research and artistic practice
  • Enhance the student experience
  • Position UCalgary as a leader in visual arts education, research and practice

This is especially important as Calgary emerges as one of Canada’s most influential cultural hubs.

Consultation with students is at the heart of this process.

All current students in the program were emailed an anonymous survey to provide their questions, concerns and feedback, and were invited to in-person consultation sessions.
Students will be invited to future consultation sessions during the renewal process. 

Faculty, staff, alumni and community partners will be invited to future consultation sessions. 

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