FORGE YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE
Department of Visual Art & Art History
Join a vibrant community where art creation, history and curatorial studies intersect. Whether your passion is hands-on art-making, diving deep into art history, or curating impactful exhibitions, our programs prepare you to shape the future of visual culture. The Department of Visual Art & Art History offers small classes led by practicing artists, access to state-of-the-art studios and exhibition opportunities throughout the year.
Programs Offered
Visual Arts - Studio
Available to these degrees: BFA
Evaluation Process: Questionnaire, Portfolio
Degree Duration: 4 years
Entry Options: Fall, Winter or Summer
Visual Arts - Art History
Available to these degrees: BA
Degree Duration: 4 years
Entry Options: Fall, Winter or Summer
Integrative Arts
Available to these degrees: BFA
Evaluation Process: Admission to Integrative Arts is based on academic achievement. A portfolio review is not required.
Degree Duration: 4 years
Entry Options: Fall, Winter or Summer
Public History
Cross-Disciplinary Certificate
Degree Duration: Concurrent
Entry Options: Fall, Winter or Summer
Visual Arts (MFA, PhD)
The MFA in Visual Art is a five-term program emphasizing independent art practice across various media. Faculty advisors guide students through seminars and critiques, fostering critical and theoretical inquiry. The program encourages rigorous thinking about art practice in a societal context, welcoming applicants with Honours degrees or equivalent qualifications.
Art History & Visual Culture (MA, PhD)
The MFA in Visual Art is a five-term program emphasizing independent art practice across various media. Faculty advisors guide students through seminars and critiques, fostering critical and theoretical inquiry. The program encourages rigorous thinking about art practice in a societal context, welcoming applicants with Honours degrees or equivalent qualifications.
Student & Alumni Testimonials
What I enjoyed about my program were the numerous opportunities to exhibit my work, collaborate with my peers, and do more interdisciplinary work. During my time at AMPD, I'm grateful for all that it gave me—a chance to make the work I want, exhibit it, and develop both my practice and confidence in my work.
Joy Wong
Alumni & Assistant Professor
AMPD has really helped me grow as both a painter and an artist. I’ve learned so much from professors who are actively working in the field, so they’re up-to-date with what’s happening in the industry. I feel really prepared to create my portfolio and apply for future job opportunities.
Karina M
Fourth-year student, Visual Arts - Art History (BA)
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
I had a great experience during my time at AMPD and York University. I benefited greatly from the exposure to various texts and readings and the rich exchanges and critical discourse I engaged in with my peers and professors in the MFA program and wider department. Courses like Methods in Practice-Based Research and the Goldfarb Summer Institute (about engaging photography and archives), and the guidance I received while working on my thesis project helped me to reflect more deeply about my own practice and develop more rigour in my form-making.
Abraham O
Visual Arts Graduate (MFA 2022)
I got really inspired by the experiences around me. I love that the arts faculty included music, theatre, film and design. You have to take other courses and integrate yourself amongst this whole arts umbrella.
Claire Scott (BFA ’16)
Artist & Curator
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
The community that is here in the studios is supportive and they love my work and they always cheer me on. They inspire me - I found my community.
Revill Villanueva (BFA ’23)
Visual Arts – Studio
There’s a really great community of PhD students here at AMPD – it’s important to have those people there to challenge you in the right kinds of ways.
Shannon Garden Smith (PhD Student, Visual Arts)
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Department Highlights
State-of-the-art facilities with evening and weekend access.
Small classes taught by professional, practicing artists.
50 years of visual arts leadership.
Weekly exhibition opportunities to showcase students’ artistic and curatorial talent.
Learn a range of artistic processes through hands on instruction.
We introduce analogue processes rooted in historical techniques alongside advanced, future-forward digital processes.
FAQs
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Typically, the applicant selects the art pieces to include in their portfolio from school-assigned projects, independently developed art projects, extra curricular art classes or professional work where appropriate. Any original artwork developed by the applicant can be included in the portfolio.
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Independent Studies In Visual Arts & Art History designed so that students may pursue an intensive independent project under the supervision of a Visual Art & Art History faculty member on topics that are not generally available in the standard department curriculum. No more than one Independent Studies course may be taken in any given semester. Applicable supplementary fees are charged for Independent Studies courses in studio areas where such fees are required.
Prerequisites/Restrictions:
- Independent Studies applicants must be in their final year of study
- Independent Studies applicants must have successfully completed a 4000-level course in the requested area of study e.g., painting, sculpture, 20th century art, Renaissance, etc.
- Students can only take 6.0 credits in Independent Studies in a single academic session.
To apply for an Independent Study there is a form available at the Department of Visual Arts & Art History reception area which you will need to fill out and have the professor sign.
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Portfolio requirements vary by program.
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- Admission to the Art History (BA Honours) program is based solely on academic performance.
- Admission to Visual Arts (BFA Honours) program is based both on academic performance and artistic merit. Both programs require the completion of a portfolio.
Portfolio Reviews are conducted through an online submission process. Once you have applied to the program, you will receive an email that will include your reference ID and directions for accessing and completing the portfoliosubmission. This email will be sent approximately 5-10 business days after you submit your application.- Visual Arts (BFA)
- The applicant portfolio should comprise 8 artworks that illustrate the student’s technical and creative abilities. At least two different media should be presented from the following: drawing, photography, sculpture, digital art, printmaking, computer-generated imagery, painting, audio-video, experimental work. All digital images should be high quality in either jpeg or PDF format. Your portfolio may include work completed for class assignments (high school, university or college) as well as independent projects. A current sketchbook is required and will count as one of your 8 artworks.
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Need More Information?
If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to connect with us. Our team is here to help! You can also schedule a visit to see our campus in person.