The School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD)

At York they encouraged us to try different disciplines. When I went there it was just about drawing but once I took my first sculpture course it spoke to me and became the most important discipline for me.

Ekow Nimako (BFA ’10)

Internationally Exhibiting LEGO Artist

What I really love about this program is the network that you create with your classmates. From first year all the way to fourth year you're with a great group of students that you'll spend time with both in and outside of the classroom. As a Film student, I also really appreciate being able to take courses outside my own discipline.

Chifundo Thangata

Fourth-year Production student

International Student - Kenya

Developing Measures for a Funeral in John Greyson's production course at York was a pivotal moment in my creative journey. The insightful guidance from both John and my supervisor, Brenda Longfellow, not only shaped the film but also deepened my understanding of the craft. Their support was instrumental in refining my vision and bringing the project to life.

Sofia Bohdanowicz (MFA ’19)

Director of Measures for a Funeral, premiered at TIFF in 2024

One of my favourite things about the Screenwriting program is that you can connect with real filmmakers, people who are actually out there and doing what you want to do, so you can watch things that they have made, and hear directly from them about their process; it is just really helpful to know what it takes to make it, and to develop your own stories.

Oliver B

Current student - Screenwriting

Being a dance student at York University has given me countless opportunities to both train, perform, and create at an advanced pre-professional level. As a second year student in the Choreography and Performance stream, I already have been able to perform in nearly 6 shows as well as create and train within my normal school hours. The teachers and fellow students in the dance program all foster individual expression as well as share the common goal of furthering ourselves as artists, no matter which area of the dance world peaks your interest, which is unlike any other program in the province. 

Hanna T

Third-year Dance Student 

I feel incredibly fortunate to have toured the world with artists like Do Make Say Think, Andy Shauf, and The Weather Station, while also co-founding festivals, serving on the Board of Directors at the Music Gallery and leading the Guelph Jazz Festival as Artistic Director. I am very grateful for the patience and openness from my teachers at York as I explored various aspects of music and eventually settled into performance and education as my career. This has gifted me with a profound humbleness in what it means to be part of a community and a human of the world.

Karen Ng (Music '06)

Toronto-based musician and curator

My time at York taught me so much about working in the industry, not only as an actor, but as a well-rounded artist. Stepping into my professional career now, I often find myself going back to the basics I learned when starting new projects. Having the opportunity to work with and learn from professionals in their specialized fields allowed me to experience first-hand what goes into the creative process.

Aurora Matrix (BFA ’21)

Runner-up on Canada’s Drag Race

I chose the Visual Arts – Studio program at York not only for it’s exceptional studio spaces but for the incorporation of art history into the program. In these Art History classes, I’m allowed to learn historical references and methodologies that I incorporate in my own body of work. With the help of professors, I’m able to better my skills and create a cohesive body of work that I can take outside of the university 

Brian G,

Third-year Visual Art – Studio Student