The only two-year photographic arts college in Canada is offering 1 free year of tuition for ALL Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
As part of SPAO’s reflection and renewal response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are committed to taking bold and significant action. We believe that diverse voices are crucial in establishing a better, more equitable arts community post-pandemic; those from marginalized communities and those experiencing financial hardship cannot be left behind. As such, ALL Canadian citizens and permanent residents that begin their studies with SPAO in September 2021* will receive one full year of free tuition! In addition, each diploma student currently enrolled at SPAO will receive bursaries towards the next phase of their post-graduate arts practices.
SPAO has also created 2-year tuition bursaries prioritizing marginalized communities. Financial instability disproportionately affects Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) people, communities of colour, members of the Trans community and other marginalized people. As such, SPAO has created new Solstice Bursaries prioritizing these groups that will cover up to 2 full years of tuition for SPAO’s diploma program. While anyone experiencing financial need is eligible to apply, these bursaries will prioritize those who come from marginalized communities.
“This is a once-in-a-century opportunity to reimagine what we are and who we want to be.”
- Jonathan Hobin, Creative Director
SPAO’s goal is to reignite the creative spark within our community, while simultaneously addressing systemic barriers that prevent marginalized groups from fully engaging within the arts. While SPAO is a small institution with our own financial challenges to overcome, we must be bold in addressing long-standing systemic barriers faced by our students as we rebuild after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deadline to apply is Wednesday, August 24th at 11:59PM. *This one-time initiative applies to Fall 2021 enrollment applications only and only until we reach capacity. Space is extremely limited; applications are assessed on a first-come, first-served basis.
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THE NOVA PROJECT
As part of SPAO’s new NOVA Project, we have launched 3 other initiatives that benefit our community:
- FREE foundational courses for youth
- A Spectrum Bursary for racialized and underrepresented communities interested in the artist residency
- A campaign to assemble Hasselblad camera kits for long term student use
Find out more about SPAO