With Nova Scotia’s thriving art scene, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of art schools and colleges in Nova Scotia dedicated to the development of the next generation of artists.
If you’re an aspiring artist and are looking to enroll in one of the best art schools in Nova Scotia, then you’ve come to the right place!
Here are some of the best art schools in Nova Scotia and the most popular programs they offer.
So whether you’re looking to study fine arts, graphic design, or any other art-related subject, be sure to use this list of the best art schools in Nova Scotia as your guide!
Why Study Arts in Nova Scotia?
If you’re considering studying arts in Nova Scotia, there are a number of art colleges that might interest you.
The top art schools in Nova Scotia offer high-quality training and degrees that will help students develop their skills and prepare them for a successful career in design, entertainment, fine arts, publishing, or other creative fields.
In fact, some of these programs are internationally renowned and may lead to opportunities outside of Canada.
Are there any art colleges in Nova Scotia?
There are at least twelve good art schools and colleges in Nova Scotia and the best art colleges in Nova Scotia tend to be located in Halifax and Cape Breton.
What are the Best Art Schools in Nova Scotia?
If you’re considering learning how to draw, develop your photographic eye, or hone other creative skills, these schools are good places to start!
- Atlantic School of Theology
- Centre for Arts and Technology
- Mount Saint Vincent University
- Saint Mary’s University
- University of King’s College
- Nova Scotia Community College
- Universite Sainte-Anne
- St Francis Xavier University Art School
- Nova Scotia College of Arts & Design
- Dalhousie University Art School
Atlantic School of Theology
Located in Halifax, Atlantic School of Theology offers a one-year diploma program and a three-year bachelor of fine arts degree.
Students will gain skills in art history, printmaking, painting, photography, and sculpture among others.
Graduates can go on to become artists or pursue careers in commercial art. Cost: Approx $12,100 per year for first-year students; scholarships are available.
Program length: One year (diploma); three years (bachelor’s degree). Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Number of programs offered: 2 degrees + 1 diploma program + 6 certificates/designations.
Type of school: Private university affiliated with Churches of Christ affiliation; employs professors who are practicing artists working in commercial/fine arts fields and design firms across Canada.
Address: 640 Francklyn Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3B5, Canada
Telephone: (902) 423-6939
Centre for Arts and Technology
The Centre for Arts and Technology Art School is one of the best art schools in Nova Scotia, it is a 2-year institution with an admission rate of 100% that grants certificates and degrees up to master’s level.
The student-to-faculty ratio at the Centre for Arts and Technology Art School is 12:1, and the average class size is 8 students.
Students can take courses in:
- 3D animation and special effects
- Game art
- Graphic design
- Illustration
- Computer animation/multimedia
- Photography production/photojournalism
- Web design & multimedia
- 3D animation & special effects (3rd-year diploma)
- Illustration (3rd-year diploma),
- Graphic design (3rd-year diploma) and more.
At Central for Arts and Technology Art School, there are 9 clubs or organizations, including Animation Club.
Address: Halifax 1577 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1Z7, Canada.
Telephone: (902) 429-1847
Fax: (902) 423-5414
Mount Saint Vincent University
As an art school, Mount Saint Vincent University offers a wide variety of creative and fine arts degree programs. It has a bachelor’s program in Digital Art and Animation as well as a bachelor’s program in Visual Arts.
There are also certificate programs that students can participate in at MSSVU, including one in Art History.
These programs make Mount Saint Vincent University an excellent art school option for those who live near Halifax.
Address: 166 Bedford Highway, Halifax, NS B3M 2J6, Canada.
Telephone: (902) 457-6788
Saint Mary’s University
Saint Mary’s University in Halifax is one of the oldest art schools in Canada, and has several programs available for students interested in pursuing their art.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in one of its most popular, with a strong focus on self-directed learning and experimentation.
Students are encouraged to take risks, meaning that unusual or niche subjects may be particularly well-suited to Saint Mary’s program. Some of the studio art courses are in:
- Photography
- Painting
- Film/video/new media
- Printmaking, and sculpture
This makes up some of its most popular electives.
Address: 923 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3C3, Canada
Telephone: (902) 420-5400
University of King’s College
The University of King’s College is a private liberal arts college located in Halifax, Canada. It is also home to one of the best art colleges in Nova Scotia.
King’s offers an undergraduate degree in Art History, but they also offer joint degrees with other arts programs and programs in Science.
King’s is one of many art schools in Nova Scotia, Canada, and is not just known for its Art History program; they are known for how popular its 3D animation programs are among young students.
The Institution has given multiple grants to support its creative ventures, as well as offering scholarships to graduating high school seniors who can demonstrate financial need as well as a commitment to pursuing art outside of school.
Address: 6350 Coburg Road, Halifax, NS B3H 2A1, Canada.
Telephone: (902) 422-1271
Fax: (902) 423-3357
Nova Scotia Community College
The Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) is one of the top art colleges in Nova Scotia with practical programs provide students with competencies and skills that meet and exceed international standards.
At the School of arts in the Nova Scotia Community College, there are three-degree options:
- Associate Arts (Art) Diploma
- Advanced Arts Certificate
- Fine Arts Certificate
Interested students can study fine arts and receive hands-on training to prepare them for future art opportunities.
Universite Sainte-Anne
Focusing on visual arts, dance, music, and theater, students can expect a well-rounded education in one of the best art schools in Canada.
At Universite Sainte-Anne, art students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and an active program of events.
Other colleges have more established fine arts programs. But for a fun Canadian experience focused on art, you can’t beat Universite Sainte-Anne Art School.
Address: 1695, Route 1, Pointe-de-l’Église, N. É. BOW 1MO. Canada.
Telephone: (902) 769-2114
Fax: (902) 769-2930
St Francis Xavier University Art School
A quick look at their website will tell you all you need to know about why St. Francis Xavier is such a great art school. While they offer all of your typical BA and BFA degrees, they really specialize in honing more specific skills.
If you are looking for an art program that combines traditional with non-traditional mediums, there may be no better school than St Francis Xavier University.
They have facilities specifically dedicated to:
- Painting
- Ceramics
- Printmaking
- Sculpture, and
- Graphic design/studio arts.
There’s a lot of hands-on experience here and they even offer summer study programs so if you want to take your education abroad or even further out into nature, St Francis Xavier has you covered!
Address: 19 West Street, Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5, Canada.
Telephone: (902) 863-3300
Email: admit@stfx.ca
Nova Scotia College of Arts & Design
Although its name is a mouthful, NSCAD University Art School has a well-earned reputation for excellence.
The school’s history of groundbreaking student work can be traced back to 1887, when it was founded. It has since grown into an independent university that promotes research in art and design.
The curriculum covers topics such as:
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Installation art, and more
There’s also an emphasis on experiential learning opportunities including community projects and field trips. NSCAD University Art School offers bachelor’s degrees in several creative fields of study.
It also hosts events open to non-students with an interest in creativity and art such as public lectures by faculty members or gallery showcases of student work.
Address: 5163 Duke Street, Halifax, NS B3J 3J6, Canada.
Telephone: (902) 444-9600
Dalhousie University Art School
Dalhousie University is one of the best art schools in Nova Scotia, the school’s faculty of Fine Arts hosts both undergraduate and graduate art programs that can prepare you for a future in art,.
Whether you want to make your living as an artist or go into teaching. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is accredited by four separate regional associations: Quebec, Ontario, Atlantic Canada and Western Canada.
Undergraduate programs at Dalhousie include:
- Studio arts
- Photography
- Printmaking, and
- Sculpture
If these majors aren’t right for you but you’re still interested in an education in fine arts, explore Dalhousie’s many other offerings.
In addition to BFA degrees at Dalhousie University’s Art School (including Industrial Design and Computer Animation), there are certificate courses in various aspects of art.
Address: 6299 South Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3J5, Canada.
Telephone: (902) 494-2211
Other Art Colleges in Nova Scotia
- Cape Breton University Sydney Art School
- Acadia University Art School
Conclusion
There are a number of art schools in Nova Scotia that provide students with both creative and technical skills needed to build a career in graphic design, fine arts, architecture, or a number of other artistic careers.
Whether you want to focus on traditional arts or become one of today’s rising digital artists, these are some of the best art schools for your needs.
FAQs on Art Schools
Is it a good idea to go to art school?
If you have discovered passion in arts, it is a very great idea to attend an art school. Some of the best art schools in Nova Scotia offer a unique learning experience for students serious about the arts.
What are the benefits of being an art student?
Some of the benefits of being an art student is that you can learn from the experiences of professionals and mentors in the art industry., this can build up your competence and creativity.
Do grades matter for art school?
Yes, grades do matter for art schools because you need good grades to beat competitions, but having a strong portfolio is the number one requirement.
Do most artists go to art school?
From a survey in the United States of America, it was found that only about 12% of the 500 most successful American artists were self-taught, while others had bachelor and masters degrees from various art schools.
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