Foundation Program
About the Program
The Foundation Program is a yearlong, twice weekly program that’s composed of one yearlong “core” discipline in combination with a rotation of inspiring “explore” classes. This structure is designed to establish solid technical and conceptual roots while exposing them to the exciting breadth of the visual and contemporary arts. They will develop essential skills of self-expression, empathy and creative agency to become well-rounded and confident human beings.
All age groups will benefit from expanded learning opportunities that are unique to the Foundation Program including formal exhibitions, celebratory receptions, and optional field trips.
The Foundation Program is generously supported by the Poseley Family.
Program Dates:
September 2026 – June 2027, taking place at Arts Umbrella, Granville Island
Admissions & Registration
No previous experience required. Registration for all students is now open!
Program Streams:
Foundation Program – Junior
Ages 7-8
Students follow a curated program built around a yearlong Visual Arts Core class paired with a package of five essential Explore courses including Clay Sculpture, Stop‑Motion Animation, Architecture, Printmaking, and Sculpture.
Foundation Program – Intermediate
Ages 9-10, 11-12
Students register in either the Visual Arts or Media Arts Core class and are given the opportunity to choose five of their own Explore electives from twelve exciting options. Made possible in part through collaboration with Malaspina Printmakers Society.
Explore Classes
The EXPLORE courses are designed with the goal of exposing students to a wide-ranging breadth of contemporary creative possibilities with each EXPLORE course lasting between 6-8 weeks in length.
Through expanded workshops and a deep-dive project, students will be introduced to a new creative medium and be exposed to the wide world of contemporary art. Please see the program package for course descriptions.
Explore options include:
- Ceramics
- Stop Motion Animation
- Architecture
- Sculpture
- Printmaking
- Darkroom Photography
- Fashion Design
- Puppetry
- Creative Electronics
- Curation & Installation
- Character Design
Jump to
Foundation Program: Visual Arts
Ages 7-8, 9-10, 11-12
The Visual Arts CORE discipline is designed for students who wish to explore the critical and aesthetic potential of image-making, and expand beyond a traditional visual arts practice to experiment with different tools, materials, and processes to develop a multidisciplinary, tactile and material-based foundation in Art & Design.
What you’ll learn:
- drawing
- painting
- mixed media
- papier mâché
- collage
Foundation Program: Media Arts
Ages 7-8, 9-10, 11-12
The Media Arts CORE discipline is designed for students who wish to explore both established and new technologies, and connect those digital creative practices to the essential elements of storytelling, world-building, and character design to develop a digital and media-literate foundation in Art & Design.
What you’ll learn:
- Animation
- Photography
- Film