Art as a Career
The Alberta College of Art + Design (ACAD) is committed to a solid studio-based experience for students in fine art, design and new media. A leading centre for education and research, their excellence spans across all mediums – fine arts, crafts, design, media arts and digital technologies. They offer four year undergraduate degrees and diplomas, as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Design Degree. Through a balance of liberal studies and practical theory, the college has produced some of the most visually talented and academically outstanding Canadian and international art and design students.

Personal Attention
Although the studios at ACAD are large and spacious, they keep the classes small in order to allow for plenty of one-on-one time. In fact, ACAD’s faculty and space-per-student ratios are among the best in the country. Within such an environment, students can receive the techniques, tools, intellectual stimulation and encouragement that they need to discover and develop their own personal passion and style.

Student or Professional?
ACAD sustains two galleries: the Illingworth Kerr Gallery (IKG) and The Marion Nicoll Gallery. Established in 1958 as the Alberta College of Art Gallery, the IKG was given its current title in 1990. It was renamed for Dr. Illingworth “Buck” Kerr, a distinguished artist and head of the college for 20 years. This public gallery displays contemporary art through year-round exhibitions, publications, lectures, screenings and related events, with an emphasis on Canadian art and design. The Marion Nicoll Gallery in student run and, therefore, is a unique environment for education and experimentation. It allows students to get a taste of the professional environment and gives them career developing experience as administrators, jurors and submitting artists.