College Diploma, Winter Residency, and Part-Time Programs for Every Stage of Your Artistic Journey

Image by SPAO alum Alex Does

SPAO Celebrates 20 Years – Join the Community Today

SPAO is one of Canada’s foremost photographic arts centres. It houses the only 2-year photographic arts College Diploma Program in Canada, a robust selection of Recreational Classes, a unique 6-month International Artist Residency as well as the only critical and independent Gallery in the region dedicated to lens-based art.

Photographic Arts and Production College Diploma Program

SPAO’s College Diploma Program is the only one of its kind in Canada and is the perfect opportunity for artists looking to invest deeply in their art practice. Often seen as an alternative to an MFA, this two-year program is intensive, hands-on, community-oriented, and highly collaborative.

Nurture Your Artistic Vision: Through intensive, hands-on learning and small class sizes, artists can hone their unique style and approach to photography.

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 can expect to graduate with three exhibitions, 2 portfolios and one book on their CV, including a professional exhibition in 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.

Late Applications Accepted: SPAO is currently accepting applications for the 2025/2026 school year until September 15, 2025.

Prospective applicants who are unsure if the program is right for them are encouraged to book a complimentary 20-minute portfolio review. This is an opportunity to learn more about the program and receive feedback on your work before applying.

Apply for a free portfolio review

HONEYSUCKLE installation shot by Rob Little featuring work by Alexa Mazzarello

Accepting Applications: 2026 Winter-Start SPAO Artist Residency

SPAO and supporting sponsor TD Bank Group are pleased to announce that the TD Career Launch Initiative has been renewed for 2026, supporting this unique professional development opportunity for photo-based artists.

The SPAO Artist Residency provides photo-based artists the time, space, and resources to research, experiment, and produce a body of work in a professional context. Residents benefit from access to SPAO’s facilities, mentorship, and community, as well as a paid opportunity to exhibit their work in the SPAO Centre Gallery upon the completion of the residency.

This program is designed for artists who have completed formal training in visual arts and/or lens-based media and are prepared to focus deeply on an aspect of their practice.

SPAO is now accepting applications for the 2026 Winter-Start Artist Residency, including both the TD Career Launch Stream and our regular stream, for a term running from January 2026 to June 2026.

Applications are open until October 15, 2025, or until spots are filled.

Learn more and apply

Image by SPAO alum Martine Chartrand

Part-Time Photography Classes: Where Vision and Skill Come Into Focus

Experiment, explore, and engage in diverse photo-based media. SPAO’s annual part-time calendar includes three semesters of recreational and educational programming. These courses take place in the evenings and on weekends, making them accessible for students, hobbyists, and working professionals alike.

APEX: Part-time students have the opportunity to showcase their best work in APEX, SPAO’s annual exhibition and awards program, which celebrates their achievements in a professional gallery setting.

Youth Foundation Initiative: SPAO is committed to supporting the next generation of photo-based artists. Youth aged 16–20 can take a Digital or Darkroom Foundation class free of charge, providing an accessible introduction to photography and the creative community.

The SPAO Path: For those seeking a structured learning journey, The SPAO Path is a suggested course sequence that guides participants from foundational skills through to advanced photographic practices. Completing all of the designated courses qualifies students to apply for advanced standing (direct entry into Year 2) of SPAO’s Diploma Program or to receive the SPAO Path Bursary.

Learn more and see SPAO’s current part-time studies offerings

Image by SPAO alum Justin M. Millar

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For more information, please contact:

SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre
77 Pamilla Street
Ottawa, ON K1S 3K7
613 562 3824
info@spao.ca

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