The Department of Art History, Visual Art & Theory
Graduate Programs
The Department of Art History, Visual Art and Theory is proud to offer the following four graduate programs:
The MFA in Visual Art program equips artists with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to make critical and engaging artwork within the context of an ever-changing art world. The emphasis in the Visual Art program is to develop the creative potential of the individual student in his/her milieu, enhanced by research into critical art discourse on advanced contemporary art through direct access to the university’s extensive facilities and diverse disciplines. Students in the program may work in any area of contemporary art production including painting, drawing, printmaking, three-dimensional and installation work, photography, digital art, intermedia, video, performance, sound, or in any interdisciplinary form.
The Critical and Curatorial Studies Program leads to an MA in Art History. The program in includes an individually realized practicum exhibition or curatorial project. Recognized as one of the best in the world, the graduate curatorial studies program benefits from being embedded in the Department of Art History and Visual Arts and by having a relationship with the Museum of Anthropology.
Enriched by access to the full complement of university offerings, students in the MA in Art History Program and the PhD in Art History Program are encouraged to situate art in its historical context, to analyze its impact on the world around us, and to develop theoretical frameworks that contribute to critical thinking and engage with debates in the field. The programs encourage high scholastic achievement, original research, and a firm methodological grounding. The two-year MA program provides excellent preparation for a wide range of art-related careers, in addition to further study at the PhD level. The PhD program fosters art historical research and scholarship at the highest level and promises exacting study and deepening experience of the field.
Learn more about all AHVA Graduate Programs »
Undergraduate Programs
Art History
The history of art will appeal to students who are fascinated with the complex roles of art, architecture, visual and material culture in a range of societies from past eras through to the present. At UBC courses in Art History consider the 'visual object' from a wide variety of perspectives - for example, the artistic and cultural significance of particular aesthetic and material forms; the functional or ritual roles given to particular art objects or social spaces; the political and social significance of patrons and different categories of viewers; and the importance of evolving constructions of gender, sexuality, and community.
Learn more about AHVA Undergraduate Art History Programs »
Visual Art
The Undergraduate programs in Visual Art (BFA, BA/visual art) offer students a rigorous program of visual art practice within a stimulating and challenging academic environment, which includes the study of contemporary and historical art, cultural theory related to art production, and elective courses chosen from a broad range of subject areas. Created to develop technical and conceptual skills, our students are required to sample a wide range of mediums and artistic approaches made available through our course offerings, among which are painting, drawing, print media, sculpture, photography, digital and new media arts. Held in studio environments, our classes foster individual creative production and visual literacy in a lively atmosphere of instructor-lead debate, discussion and critique.
Learn more about AHVA Undergraduate Visual Art Programs »
Our Galleries
The Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery
The Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery has an international reputation for its exhibitions, publications and projects in the area of contemporary art. Its collections and archives are an invaluable resource for scholars.
Visit the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery »
gallery
The mission of the gallery is to promote research and discourse in the field of visual art by facilitating collaboration and experimentation within the department, the university, and the community. The gallery is dedicated to providing resources and opportunities to students, faculty and the community through exhibitions, public programs, and providing a venue to engage in dialogue.
Learn more about the gallery »
AHVA Events
Exhibition/Opening
February 04, 2010
Re:View (New Ways of Seeing)
VISA 430 Class: Mixed Media Works (more) »
Exhibition/Opening
February 10, 2010
SNOW
February 10 - February 27, 2010 (more) »
JCI Lecture Series
February 10, 2010
Jamie Hilder: The Miracle Mile
Part of the JCI Lecture Series (more) »
Exhibition/Opening
January 16, 2010
Backstory: Nuuchaanulth Ceremonial Curtains and the Work of Ḳi-ḳe-in
through to 28 March, 2010 (more) »
Exhibition/Opening
January 23, 2010
CUE: Artists' Videos
January 23 to March 21, 2010 (more) »
Exhibition/Opening
January 27, 2010
Sights/Sites of Spectacle Exhibition
Opening reception Friday, January 29th, 5:30 to 8:00 pm. Exhibition runs through February 20th. (more) »
Exhibition/Opening
January 30, 2010
Learning From Vancouver
(more) »
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