REFLECTION AND RENEWAL
As life in nada returns to a semblance of normalcy, SPAO is reflecting on the many lessons we have learned over the past 16 months. We recognize that this moment in time is a once-in-a-century opportunity to reimagine what we are and who we want to be. Possibilities are infinite, and we are eager to jump-start our emergence into this new reality.
Conversations with staff, board members, students and community members have led us to understand the power we have in this moment. As we reignite the creative spark within our community, we must simultaneously address systemic issues and barriers that prevent marginalized groups from fully engaging within the arts. While SPAO is a small institution with our own financial challenges to overcome, we must be bold in addressing long-standing systemic barriers faced by our students as we rebuild after the COVID-19 pandemic.
SPAO’s Nova Project takes the form of four initiatives radilly affecting key aspects of our programming.
See the initiatives below to find out more!
DIPLOMA PROGRAM
The Photographic Arts and Production Diploma is an incredibly unique opportunity to acquire comprehensive analogue and digital photography skills, develop a broad understanding of photographic theory and history, and cultivate individual vision and craft.
PART-TIME STUDIES
SPAO offers a wide variety of in-person and virtual courses, workshops and master classes for students at every level. SPAO class subjects include studio lighting, post-production, history and theory, as well as traditional analogue & historic processes.
ARTIST RESIDENCY
The SPAO Residency provides mentorship, support and structure for photo-based artists to focus on an aspect of their reer or an upcoming project. It is designed for visual artists who have previously completed training in the visual arts or lens-based media.
SPAO GALLERY
SPAO is home to the SPAO Centre Gallery, the region's only independent and critil gallery dedited to photographic and video art. SPAO exhibitions celebrate the work of regional, national and international artists working in lens-based media.