Student Life at Alberta University of the Arts

What’s it really like to study at AUArts?

Are you interested in studying the arts? It’s hard not to be inspired at Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts). Some of the most talented and prominent artists, designers, craftspeople, and critical thinkers around the world lead our classes.

You may be wondering what you can expect as a student at AUArts. Well, here’s a quick look at what student life is like when you go here.

The big picture

Life on campus is also about being a part of something bigger. It’s about joining a global conversation about art, design, and its impact on the world. With visiting artists, travel programs for students, and a rich and active research culture that fosters new ideas and collaboration, AUArts is a hub of arts and culture events all year round. What will you contribute?

The people

Studying at AUArts means joining a community of people who are passionate about creativity — people who just “get it,” and who will encourage and challenge you to find your unique way of expressing yourself. Whether they’re faculty, students, studio technicians, or administrators, you’ll find accepting, enthusiastic, and talented people everywhere you look. It’s what we’re all about.

The creative space

Spanning nearly 300,000 square feet, AUArts’ facilities include professionally equipped studios, plus lots of room just for you — including your own studio space during your third and fourth year.

You’ll also have the unique opportunity to exhibit your work through AUArts’ student-run galleries, giving you real-world exhibition experience and an insider’s view of the professional art world.

Our internationally recognized, professionally run Illingworth Kerr Gallery is on campus too, and sure to keep you inspired with amazing exhibitions from Canada and around the world. You need to be here!

Campus amenities

Along with amazing galleries and world-class studio space, you’ll find a library dedicated to art and design, a cafeteria, and easy access to and from other parts of the city via public transit (a CTrain station is adjacent to campus).

We also have access to all the great things the neighbouring Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) campus has to offer. One of the many benefits of AUArts sharing a campus with SAIT is that all AUArts students are welcome to live directly on campus at the SAIT Residence.

And did we mention we’re just a few minutes’ walk from Kensington and less than an hour from the mountains?

Living in Calgary

Calgary offers the best of all worlds — a vibrant, cosmopolitan urban centre, a safe and friendly atmosphere, and outstanding potential for adventure in the natural areas of the nearby Canadian Rockies.

Calgary is the sunniest city in Canada and ranked the 7th most liveable city in the world.

Culturally and artistically diverse, the sunny city enjoys numerous festivals ranging from the well-established to the many new and growing influences in art, theatre, and music.

As signatories to Calgary’s Arts Plan, Living a Creative Life, AUArts is committed to working with the city’s arts development authority to support and strengthen the arts to benefit all Calgarians.

And if you need a little room to explore, Calgary’s 300 km of urban pathways and ample green space give you lots of freedom to bike, hike, rollerblade, or simply wander.