School of Art

Diversity and inclusion

At the School of Art, we are committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and equitable community. Through a shared dedication to diversity and inclusion (DI), we aim to create a welcoming environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors

Traditional Territories Acknowledgment

The School of Art and University of Manitoba campuses are located on the original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene, and Inuit, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

The University recognizes that the Treaties signed on these lands represent a lifelong and enduring relationship. We are dedicated to upholding their spirit and intent, and we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past and present. With this understanding, we commit to supporting Indigenous excellence through active Reconciliation, meaningful change, and the creation of environments where everyone can thrive. Our collaborations with Indigenous communities are grounded in respect and reciprocity, guiding how we move forward as an institution.

What is DI?

Diversity means all the ways that people differ, including characteristics, personal experiences, values, and worldviews.*

Inclusion is the process of creating an environment in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate in all the opportunities afforded by the University.*

*Definitions from the Terms of Reference established by the President's Task Force on EDI.

Our commitment

Diversity and Inclusion Committee Mission Statement 

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the School of Art is dedicated to fostering an environment where equity, inclusivity, and diversity are integral to every aspect of our learning and working community. We strive to ensure that all members—students, staff, faculty, and affiliates—are represented, respected, and supported.

Our mission is to listen, learn, and act: to identify and dismantle barriers to participation; to promote fair and inclusive practices; and to advise on policies and initiatives that create meaningful, lasting change. We affirm our commitment to a School of Art where difference is valued, discrimination is not tolerated, and diversity and inclusion guide our collective actions, decisions, and creative pursuits.

Committee Terms of Reference

Diversity and inclusion in School of Art courses

As part of its commitment to embedding the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion into all aspects of the curriculum, the School of Art has integrated EDI-related content across its courses to foster a deeper understanding of equity, representation, and inclusion within creative practice.

To ensure a strong foundation for all students, the School has introduced the following mandatory courses: Indigenous Peoples’ Art History, Special Topics in BIPOC Contemporary Art Practices, and Special Topics in Indigenous Contemporary Art Practices. These courses explore the intersections of art, identity, and social justice, preparing students to engage meaningfully with diverse perspectives both in their studies and beyond.

Sample Undergraduate Courses

Note: Course offerings vary by term. Not all courses listed will be available each academic year. Please refer to current course descriptions in Aurora for the most accurate information.

FAAH 2090 – Indigenous Peoples’ Art History (3 cr)
An overview of the art and cultures of Indigenous peoples in North America, from ancient Woodland aesthetics to 21st-century media. No prerequisite.

FAAH 2110 – Women and Art (3 cr)
Explores the aesthetics, ideology, and social conditions shaping women’s relationships to the visual arts—as artists, patrons, and subjects. No prerequisite.

FAAH 3430 – Inuit Art (3 cr)
The history and analysis of Inuit art.

FAAH 4090 – Seminar on Contemporary Issues in Art (3 cr)
A seminar exploring contemporary art issues; topics vary annually.

STDO 1510 – Art Now (3 cr)
Introduces current art practices through visiting lectures, visual responses, and critique. Focuses on Indigenous, Black, racialized, and settler-ally practices, with discussion of decolonial strategies.

STDO 3710 – Special Topics in Indigenous Contemporary Art Practices (3 cr)
Explores conceptual, historical, and theoretical dimensions of Indigenous Contemporary Art Practice.

STDO 3720 – Special Topics in BIPOC Contemporary Art Practices (3 cr)
Focuses on conceptual and historical considerations of BIPOC Contemporary Art Practices.

Programming and events

Lavender Graduation 2026
University of Manitoba event

Lavender Graduation 2026

Lavender Graduation is an annual ceremony held on campuses across North America to honour 2SLGBTQIA+ students as they complete their degrees, recognizing their achievements and contributions. The ceremony was founded in 1995 by Dr. Ronni Sanlo, who created the event after being denied the opportunity to attend her children’s graduations because of her sexual orientation.

At the University of Manitoba, the Queer & Trans Graduate Student Group will host the 2026 Lavender Graduation on Monday, May 25, 2026. 

The ceremony is open to 2SLGBTQIA+ students from any post-secondary institution in Manitoba—undergraduate or graduate—who graduated in Fall 2025 or Spring 2026, or who will graduate in Summer or Fall 2026. Participating institutions include the University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, Red River College, Brandon University, Université de Saint-Boniface, University College of the North, Booth University College, and Canadian Mennonite University.

This is a symbolic ceremony (no parchments are conferred), offering an affirming space to celebrate graduates. Students may participate in person, in absentia, or via livestream.

Register here

Black-and-white film still showing three young people standing close together outside a weathered building, all looking off-frame with concerned expressions.
Recent event

Lunch-Hour Film Screening

The School of Art’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee recently hosted a lunch-hour screening of two short films by Kent Monkman and Gisèle Gordon. Held in the Sound Stage at ARTlab, the event invited students, faculty, and staff to drop in over the noon hour to watch one or both films and gather for an informal shared viewing. Snacks were provided.

Thursday, February 12, 2026
Sound Stage, 156 ARTlab, University of Manitoba
Hosted by Dr. Braden Scott (School of Art)

NCTR-Survivor-Flag

Rounding Out: Lunch and Learn Series

This event series, initiated by the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, encourages open conversations around equity, identity, and inclusive practices in art and education.
Events are open to all School of Art students, faculty, and staff.

Recent events:

  • Session #1: Land-based Learning with Brian Rice
  • Session #2: Visit to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Learn more

Reporting and contacting

Have questions, concerns, or suggestions about diversity and inclusion within the School of Art? We’re here to listen and support.

Confidential Email: DISoA@umanitoba.ca

This email account is monitored confidentially by the Undergraduate Program Advisor and serves as a secure channel to ensure your voice is heard. All students (undergraduate and graduate), as well as faculty and staff are welcome to contact this address. Messages are handled with care and directed to the appropriate committee members or resources as needed.

In addition to contacting the DI Committee directly, you can also speak with:

  • Faculty or Staff members

    SOFASA (School of Fine Art Student Association) 

    Or connect with additional support services listed below

We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all. Whether you’re seeking advice, reporting an issue, or sharing ideas for positive change, your input is essential to strengthening our community.

Publications and resources

University of Manitoba Resources

Support Services