Welcome from the Chair of Art & Design

Welcome to the Department of Art & Design, one of the oldest departments in Canada devoted to the study of both the practice and the history of the visual arts and design. The Department of Art & Design traces its history back to 1945, when the University of Alberta established the first fine arts department in the Province. Today, we are a vibrant community of artists, designers, and academics that are devoted to supporting our students, moving forward our respective disciplines and positively impacting the world. We recognise the unique practices and responsibilities that our disciplines offer to create new, inspiring and proactive futures.

We offer internationally competitive undergraduate and graduate programs in design, the fine arts, and the history of art, design, and visual culture. Our programs are taught by remarkably accomplished practitioners and scholars. Our Design programs focus on improving the human condition and benefits from situating design within a research-intensive university enabling unique collaborations for the discipline. Our Fine Arts programs have strong ties to public and artist-run galleries and institutions within the community and beyond, which expand the breadth of students' university experience. The History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture helps to bring these units together, providing the historical, theoretical, and critical framework for understanding these fields and their impact on society.

Our students have extensive opportunities for situating their academic work outside of the studio and classroom—through practicums, work studies and study abroad—gaining valuable experience and training for transitioning to life after University—whether in work, research or further studies. Our FAB Gallery features a range of exhibitions throughout the year including touring design shows, graduate MFA exhibitions, year-end BFA and BDes showcases and exciting artist collectives.

For more information please contact me at (780) 492.7864 or aidan.rowe@ualberta.ca.

Aidan Rowe
Chair, Department of Art & Design
Associate Professor, Design Studies