Contemporary Art Practices

About the Program

Ages 15-19
August 5-22, 2025 (no classes on August 9,10,16 & 17)

Contemporary Art Practices is designed for artists interested in advancing their artistic skills and critical thinking. The intensive is a stimulating experience for young artists committed to experimentation and dedicated to pushing the boundaries of their own art-making. In a supportive studio environment, students work with professional Vancouver artists, curators, and educators to explore a range of contemporary art practices.

The program introduces participants to creative approaches in art-making through a series of workshops and self-directed projects at Arts Umbrella. Students engage in critiques and discussions about how to develop their ideas and work with new materials and methods. The program culminates with an exhibition of student work in the Cassils | Henriquez Exhibition Gallery at Arts Umbrella.

Applications will open on January 22!

For questions or inquiries email our Art & Design team at submissions@artsumbrella.com or call our Student Services team during business hours at 604-681-5268.

Explore Other Intensives

Submission Guidelines

Portfolio

Please submit 5-7 images of completed work and 3-5 images of sketchbook explorations that demonstrate study and experimentation. Please make sure that images are in JPEG format and no larger than 1 MB each. You should send no more than 10 images total. If there are barriers to submitting a digital portfolio, please contact us to make alternative arrangements.

Letter of Intent

Your letter must be between 500-1000 words, or roughly one page, in length. In your letter, please tell us why you are interested in this program, what you will bring and how you will benefit from the experience. Please include a brief statement about the work in your portfolio and a description of your art practice (ie. primary mediums, themes, references, and inspirations, etc.)

More Information

For details about the program, contact:

Arts Umbrella Admissions
submissions@artsumbrella.com

Past Exhibitions

The 2024 Contemporary Art Practices program is generously supported by: