Part-Time Classes, College Diploma Program, Artist Residency & More

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

Join the SPAO Community

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.

SPAO cultivates an inclusive community of distinct artistic vision, critical dialogue and technical expertise in the photographic arts through exhibition, partnerships and education.

College Diploma Program

The Photographic Arts and Production College Diploma Program is the only one of its kind in Canada. It is an intensive, hands-on, community-oriented, and collaborative learning experience. There is one spot left for this semester, get your application in now to be considered. Learn more about the diploma program and educational bursaries.

Part-Time Classes + Mentoring

Join the SPAO community by signing up for a part-time class or weekend workshop this fall. Build skills in digital and analogue photography, lighting, post-production, and more. SPAO also offers group and private mentoring with skilled faculty members who have unique professional expertise based on training and experience in lens-based art and the overall art community. To see the list of part-time studies fall classes click here.

Photo by previous Artist-in-Residence Elizabeth Raymer-Griffin

Become an Artist-in-Residence

The SPAO 6-month International Artist Residency provides mentorship, support, and a paid exhibition opportunity for professional photo-based artists. It is designed for visual artists who have previously completed formal training in visual arts and/or lens-based media and are ready to focus on an aspect of their existing career or on a specific upcoming project. To learn more about Artist Residency click here.

Visit the Gallery + Subscribe to the Newsletter

SPAO Centre is home to Ottawa region’s only independent and critical gallery space dedicated to photographic and video art. SPAO produces a number of exhibitions every year celebrating the work of regional, national, and international artists working in lens-based media. Come visit the gallery to see SPAO’s latest installation.

Subscribe to SPAO’s biweekly newsletter to stay in the loop. Be the first to know about special events, new classes, opportunities, community achievements, and more.⁠ To subscribe to the newsletter click here.

For more information, please contact us:
613 562 3824
info@spao.ca

SPAO Centre
77 Pamilla Street
Ottawa ON, K1S 3K7

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