Images (left to right): Shaelynn Tredenick, Alex Does, and Justin M. Millar

Compliment Your General Arts Education with a Photographic Arts Intensive

The Photographic Arts and Production Program is the perfect opportunity for artists wishing to further invest in their art practice without the intense theoretical component of a traditional master’s program. This diploma program is designed to help individuals develop a broad understanding of photographic principles as well as historic and contemporary processes. The program is structured with small classes, emphasizing art production and critique designed to enhance individual artists’ vision and craft. This program can serve as an excellent alternative to an MFA or a photographic intensive after completing an MFA.

Nurture Your Artistic Vision: The program is designed to nurture individual artistic vision. Through intensive, hands-on learning and small class sizes, artists can hone their unique style and approach to photography. Each student gets a personalized learning experience.

A Community-Oriented and Collaborative Environment: SPAO’s program fosters a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Located in the nation’s capital, SPAO provides artists access to national arts institutions, culture leaders, and curators, offering invaluable industry insights and networking opportunities.

Professional Launchpad: Graduates of the program debut their completed body of work in an exhibition at the SPAO Centre Gallery. This exhibition not only showcases the evolution of the graduate’s artistic practice but also serves as a professional launchpad for their careers as photo based artists.

Whether you’re considering an alternative to an MFA or looking for an advanced, practical addition to your existing MFA, the Photographic Arts and Production Program at SPAO offers a unique and enriching pathway to achieving your artistic and professional goals. Learn more about the program.

Installation shot of Summer Camp featuring works by Dayna Danger, and EVERGON (2019)

SPAO’s Facility

Nestled in the heart of Ottawa’s Little Italy, SPAO’s purpose-built facility is specifically designed for a range of diverse and exploratory photographic techniques.

Darkroom + Alternative Processes Lab: SPAO houses the largest and most well-appointed darkroom and alternative processes lab in the region. SPAO’s lab boasts a multi-format darkroom in addition to tools and equipment that allows for research and experimentation in historic and alternative photographic processes.

Studio: The SPAO studio is equipped with industry-standard lighting, camera and support equipment for shooting in a studio environment. SPAO’s equipment includes a selection of 35mm, medium and large format cameras available for use.

Media Lab: The media lab is equipped with a drum scanner, and numerous flatbed scanners, and inkjet printing can be done in-house with the aide of a technician. This space also serves as a hub for artists to gather, work on their projects, or consult with experts.

Library: SPAO prides itself on housing a large photobook collection, including rare editions and signed copies. Community members utilize SPAO’s photobook reference library for research and project development.

Gallery: The SPAO Centre is also home to the region’s only independent and critical gallery space dedicated to photographic and video art. Graduates of the program exhibit their work in the SPAO Gallery upon completion of the program.

This combination of resources ensures comprehensive technical instruction and enhances artists’ creative capabilities. Learn more about SPAO’s facility.

SPAO Graduates Achieve Great Things

Since its inception in 2005, SPAO graduates have achieved remarkable success.

Global Impact: Graduates have work in countless exhibitions locally, nationally, and globally, and are represented by galleries in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The work of SPAO alumni exists in public and private collections all over the world, with a huge number of artworks in the collection of the City of Ottawa.

Recognized and Celebrated: SPAO alumni have won prestigious awards from the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Photography Institute, RBC, Scotiabank, Harmon, the Prix de Paris, Figureworks, and Applied Arts. Their work has been featured by VICE, CBC, LensCulture, Black and White Magazine, SHOTS Magazine, and National Geographic. Additionally, they have published books, founded magazines, secured grants, and collaborated with international embassies. See SPAO’s alumni achievements.

Installation shot of Exhibition 18 by Eric Reid

Take Advantage of a Free Portfolio Review

Not sure if the Photographic Arts and Production Program is right for you? SPAO now offers a complimentary 20-minute portfolio review. This is your opportunity to receive information about the program and receive feedback on your portfolio. We want you to make a better-informed decision about applying to SPAO’s one-of-a-kind diploma program. Apply for a portfolio review.

For more information, please contact us:
SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre
77 Pamilla Street
Ottawa, ON K1S 3K7
613 562 3824
info@spao.ca

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