School of Art

School of Art

The School of Art at the University of Manitoba offers dynamic programs where students gain hands-on experience across a broad range of artistic disciplines. Our focus is on preparing students for a successful career in the arts at a time when creativity, critical thinking and complex problem solving are in greatest demand.

Alumni of our MFA, BFA, Diploma of Art and BFA in Art History programs have gone on to thriving careers as visual artists, curators, designers, art historians, gallerists, educators, arts administrators, cultural workers and many other professions in media and technology.

Two smiling students view colourful, tactile artworks framed with playful materials like faux fur and plastic toys at the School of Art Gallery, University of Manitoba. The atmosphere is bright and welcoming.

Opening April 25 – 2025 BFA Honours Grad Exhibition

A vibrant exhibition showcasing the final work of 17 graduating BFA Honours students from the School of Art – on view April 25 to May 9, 2025.

Opening Reception: Friday, April 25 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM
A dramatic view of a spiky, organic sculpture with fiery orange and yellow accents in a gallery setting.

School of Art Gallery

The physical and philosophical gateway to the ARTlab, the SoA Gallery serves academic and broader communities through its exhibition and outreach programming, publishing and collecting activities. 

Learn more about the SoA Gallery

School of Art facilities

The School of Art offers wide-ranging facilities to support students’ creative output, many of which are accessible 24/7

  • Large-format digital print shop
  • Large new darkroom and wet lab spaces
  • Extensive sculpture fabrication facilities
  • Comprehensive ceramics area with newly built wood-fired kiln
  • MAC lab and private editing suites
  • Sound stage
  • Print media studio equipped for a broad range of print and papermaking processes
     

ARTlab

The new hub of the School of Art, this award-winning structure houses studios for drawing, painting, studio photography, video and print media, the MAC lab, smart classrooms for art history and studio lectures, the School of Art Gallery, the School’s administrative offices.
 

Art Barn

The Art Barn provides vast spaces for painting and ceramic classes, as well as private studios for advanced students.

Taché Hall and Media Crib

Creators and Scholars in Visual Art, Music, and Theatre share space in this dynamic building. 

Sculpture and Ceramics building

This purpose-built facility houses three-dimensional media, ceramics, and sculpture courses.

Learn more about our facilities
An upper level view of a staircase with students studying in the ArtLab building.
A student looks at another's work inside one of the spacious drawing studios.
The spacious painting space inside the Art Barn with large easels placed around the room.
The main front entrance of the Tache Hall building.
Interior view of the sculpture building with various pieces of equipment placed around the room.
[2:46 PM] Cailyn Harrison Faculty members and student engaged in a discussion around a green ceramic sculpture in a brightly lit gallery space.

Our faculty and staff

Learn from the best – Our acclaimed faculty and staff of practicing artists and scholars activate classroom learning and studio experience with their research, lectures, critiques, workshops, support, and community partnerships.

Meet our faculty and staff

Alumni accomplishments

The School of Art celebrated its centenary in 2013. This long standing commitment to advancing art education and supporting artists and scholars is demonstrated by the creativity and innovation of our graduates, many of whom have made their mark on the national and international scene.

Past students of the School of Art include:

Exhibitions and events

A group of individuals working collaboratively on an art piece involving blue and purple fabric-like materials.

The School of Art actively hosts exhibits and presentations by professional artists and students in several spaces on campus. These exhibition spaces offer possibilities for teaching initiatives, research, and professional opportunities for our students. Many events are organized in collaboration with other institutions nationwide and with the Winnipeg art community. 

See what's happening!

News and stories

View more news and stories

Contact us

School of Art
313 ARTlab Building
180 Dafoe Road
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB  R3T 2N2

General Office Hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:30–4:30 pm
(Closed Statutory Holidays)

fineart@umanitoba.ca
204-474-9367
Toll free: 1-800-432-1960
204-474-7605