Arts Renewal

in the School of Creative and Performing Arts

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 Creative and Performing Arts?

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

Select graduate programs suspended

Starting Fall 2025 through June 30, 2027, with approval from the Ministry of Advanced Education, we have suspended select graduate programs in the School of Creative and Performing Arts.

Teaching, research and creative practice

Teaching, research and creative practice in creative and performing arts will continue to play a vital role in the intellectual and creative life of the University—not only for those specializing in the field, 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.

Programs suspended

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

  • Master of Arts (MA) Thesis-based in Music, Specialization in Musicology
  • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Thesis-based in Drama, Design/Technical Specialization
  • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Thesis-based in Drama, Directing Specialization
  • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Thesis-based in Drama, Playwriting Specialization
  • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Thesis-based in Drama, Theatre Studies Specialization
  • Master of Music (MMus), Thesis-based, Specialization in Composition
  • Master of Music (MMus), Thesis-based, Specialization in Conducting
  • Master of Music (MMus), Thesis-based, Specialization in Music Education
  • Master of Music (MMus), Thesis-based, Specialization in Sonic Arts
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Music Education

Programs open for application

Undergraduate

Minors

Graduate

Frequently asked questions

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

In recent years, programs like the MMus and MFA have seen varying student demand. 

This trend is part of a larger shift affecting creative and performing arts programs across North America, as institutions adjust to changing demographics, evolving student interests, resource challenges and new program offerings. 

To address these changes, we are renewing the curriculum in the Faculty of Arts. 

  • Our aim is to keep our programs relevant to students, employers, and communities in Alberta and beyond.
  • This will help us continue to positively impact our communities’ intellectual life and attract and retain top talent.

The future is imaginative.

We're proud of our community and industry partner collaborations that ensure excellence across the School of Creative and Performing Arts. 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 creative and performing 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 creative and performing 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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