Minister Schmidt and Simone Saunders, student association director of leadership and governance at ACAD, unveil the new name and logo for the Alberta University of the Arts.
The Government of Alberta today (1/17) unveiled Alberta's newest university, Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts), formerly Alberta College of Art + Design (ACAD), and a substantial base operating grant increase.
"This is a historic and exciting moment for our 92-year-old post-secondary institution," said Dr Daniel Doz, president and CEO of Alberta University of the Arts. "We have offered professional degrees in art, craft and design for decades and our graduating students will convocate from Alberta University of the Arts this May."
"The student body is looking forward to pursuing our education under the new status of Alberta University of the Arts," said Simone Saunders, AUArts Students' Association director of leadership and governance. "To be recognized as a university deepens our sense of pride and belonging to this renowned community of eclectic artists."
"The government's commitment puts Alberta University of the Arts on parity with the three other dedicated art, craft and design Canadian universities," said M. Carol Ryder, chair of the Board of Governors. "With the substantial increase to our annual Campus Alberta grant, along with a one-time capital investment to address critical building infrastructure needs, Alberta University of the Arts can continue and enhance its educational offerings."
Creative minds have come to Calgary for nearly a century to launch international careers in graphic design, fashion and traditional media," said the Honourable Marlin Schmidt, Minister of Advanced Education. "By granting this iconic school university status, we're cementing an already sterling global reputation. And by investing in AUArts, we're ensuring it remains a destination for Alberta's artists, designers and creative leaders."
The historic day recognizes our government's commitment to the arts and artists, and the important role they play in our society and economy," said the Honourable Ricardo Miranda, Minister of Culture and Tourism. "For more than 90 years, this institution has helped make Alberta become a more creative and artistic province. It is so fitting that this announcement be made during Alberta's first Month of the Artist, a month dedicated to celebrate Alberta's artists and the valuable contributions they make to our province."
Alberta University of the Arts' brand was created with the assistance from Will Creative, under the leadership of co-founders Nick Richards and Ute Preusse, with the design being led by Art Director/Designer Allison Chambers, an alumna who graduated from Alberta College of Art + Design in 2005 with a Bachelor of Fine Art Honours in Painting.
Alberta University of the Arts Brand Statement
If you're looking for the right answers, you've come to the wrong place. If you're looking for the right questions, welcome to Alberta University of the Arts.
We are a community of thinkers, shapers, makers and risk takers. We are students, faculty, staff and alumni rich in diversity of culture and thought, challenged to fearlessly explore what moves us, drives us, and implores us to see the world differently.
Formerly Alberta College of Art and Design, dedicated to innovative and emerging art, craft and design programs, this is a place where students continue their education, earn an undergraduate degree or achieve their MFA.
Here we educate in ways that test the boundaries of common thought. Ways that will ignite your imagination and fuel your curiosity to go further. To explore deeper. To turn things upside down, inside out, downside in and right-side up again on a journey toward creative discovery.
So, bring us your curiosity. Your creativity. And your courage. And we will introduce you to a whole new world of passionate minds, provocative thinkers, ambitious doers and brave creators. Including the one in you.
About Alberta University of the Arts
Founded in 1926, Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts), formerly known as Alberta College of Art + Design (ACAD), has been a major contributor to Canada's visual culture, with graduates gaining significant national and international reputations as artists, designers and creative leaders. Alberta University of the Arts provides accredited degree standard education and learning opportunities to 1,200 students annually, enrolled in full- and part-time studies, and continuing education, in a wide range of art, craft, and design studio disciplines. In addition to credentialed undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Design degrees, the university offers a graduate Master of Fine Arts in Craft Media degree, making it the only institution in the province to offer and confer university-level undergraduate and graduate degree programs in art, craft, and design. Alberta University of the Arts achieved university status March 1, 2018 and its new university name was granted Royal Assent in the Alberta Legislature on December 11, 2018. AUArts begins it first official day of operations on Friday, February 1, 2019.
