Alberta College of Art + Design (ACAD)

Founded in 1926, the Alberta College of Art + Design (ACAD), now the Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts), has evolved into a distinguished institution dedicated exclusively to art, craft, and design. Located in Calgary, Alberta, it stands as the only specialized art university in the province and one of only four in Canada. AUArts offers a studio-based approach to learning, providing undergraduate programs leading to Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Design (BDes) degrees across various concentrations. The university also launched a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program in Craft Media in 2015. With a rich history of shaping Canada's visual culture, AUArts fosters creative inquiry, critical thinking, and innovation, preparing graduates to become influential artists, designers, and cultural leaders. The university emphasizes small class sizes and flexible curricula, ensuring personalized attention and a dynamic learning environment for its diverse student body.