Contemporary Art Practices
About the Program:
August 4-21, 2026
Monday-Friday, 1:00pm-4:00PM
The Contemporary Art Practices Scholarship Summer Intensive program introduces students, ages 15-19 to creative approaches in art-making through a series of artist-led workshops, gallery visits and self-directed projects. Students explore a range of contemporary art practices, pushing the boundaries of their own art in a supportive studio environment. Led by professional artist and educator Kit O’Shea, students receive extended one-on-one mentorship and engage in critiques and discussions about how to develop their ideas and work with new materials and methods. An exhibition of student work in the Cassils | Henriquez Exhibition Gallery at Arts Umbrella caps off the program.
We encourage applications from youth that identify as members of underrepresented groups.
In partnership with:
The program is offered as a full scholarship, thanks to:
How to Apply
Applications are now closed for the 2026 program.
To apply for Contemporary Art Practices, you will need to submit a portfolio and a letter of intent.
Portfolio
Your portfolio should include up to 10 images of your work, including:
- 5 to 7 images of completed work
- 3 to 5 images of sketchbook explorations that demonstrate study and experimentation
Images should be less than 1 MB each in JPG format only.
If there are barriers to submitting a digital portfolio, please contact us to make other arrangements.
Letter of Intent:
In 500 to 1000 words (about 1 page), please share:
- Why you are interested in this program
- What you will contribute
- How you will benefit from the experience
- A brief statement about the work in your portfolio
- A description of your art practice – i.e., primary medium, themes, references, and inspirations, etc.
For details about the program, contact our Art & Design team at [email protected] or call Student Services during business hours at 604-681-5268.