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

Images (left to right): Alex Finlay, Blair Smith, and Shaelynn Tredenick

Still Deciding on Your Fall Plans?

If you haven’t decided what you’ll be doing this fall, SPAO might be your solution.

As one of Canada’s leading photographic arts centres, SPAO offers a range of programming: the only 2-year photographic arts college diploma program in Canada, a variety of recreational classes, a unique 6-month international artist residency, and more.

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Image by SPAO alum and Karsh award laureate Christine Fitzgerald

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 wishing to further invest in their art practice. Often treated like an alternative to an MFA, it is an intensive, hands-on, community-oriented, and collaborative learning experience.

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 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.

Not Sure if the 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. Apply for a portfolio review.

Images (left to right): Stéphane Alexis, Zoe Gomez, and Andrew Macartney

Part-Time Classes + Mentoring

Looking for something to do after work or on weekends? Explore SPAO’s *new* fall calendar and elevate your skills with an evening part-time class or weekend workshop. These courses offer the opportunity to advance your expertise in digital and analogue photography, lighting, post-production, and more. See the fall calendar here.

SPAO Exterior

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 artists who have previously completed formal training in visual arts and/or lens-based media and are ready to intensly focus on their artistic career. There is one artist in residency space that just became available, starting immediately. Learn more and apply now.

Visit the Gallery + Subscribe to the Newsletter

SPAO Centre is home to the 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. Learn more about the gallery.

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.⁠ Subscribe to the newsletter.

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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