Audain School of
Art & Design
In the Audain School of Art & Design, we value the power of creative expression. We believe that art gives us the tools we need to reimagine what is possible and to inspire that belief in others.
All of our programs are based on a curriculum that combines life skills with essential technique, couched within a profound context for inspiration.
All of our programs are based on a curriculum that combines life skills with essential technique, couched within a profound context for inspiration.
Understanding Our Program Areas
Meet the Artistic Director
Patrick O’Neill is a research-based multidisciplinary artist. He is a graduate from the renowned Royal College of Art in London, UK where he received his MA in Contemporary Art Practice (Critical Practice). He works across performance, 3D rendering, video, writing, and sculpture to create works that invoke humour, play and criticality. His work has been shown internationally and is held in a number of private collections.
Prior to being named Audain Artistic Director of Art & Design at Arts Umbrella in 2021, Patrick had worked for nearly ten years as an arts educator throughout a number of major organizations including the Vancouver Art Gallery, Polygon Gallery, and Arts Umbrella previously where he began as an assistant in 2011 to eventually became an instructor across a number of art & design disciplines.
Patrick believes the value of an Art & Design education lies not in the production of pretty things, but in the cultivation of a critical and creative mind. One capable of distilling complex ideas and communicating emotions effectively through material form and imagery. Artists know how to navigate the marvelous worlds within and beyond themselves. Personal expression and the value of others’ experiences mean we believe
in the fostering and amplification of diverse voices, and work together to build resolute inclusive communities.
“We play, we wonder, and we delight endlessly in the creation of strange new futures. Who wouldn’t want tobe an artist?”
Prior to being named Audain Artistic Director of Art & Design at Arts Umbrella in 2021, Patrick had worked for nearly ten years as an arts educator throughout a number of major organizations including the Vancouver Art Gallery, Polygon Gallery, and Arts Umbrella previously where he began as an assistant in 2011 to eventually became an instructor across a number of art & design disciplines.
Patrick believes the value of an Art & Design education lies not in the production of pretty things, but in the cultivation of a critical and creative mind. One capable of distilling complex ideas and communicating emotions effectively through material form and imagery. Artists know how to navigate the marvelous worlds within and beyond themselves. Personal expression and the value of others’ experiences mean we believe
in the fostering and amplification of diverse voices, and work together to build resolute inclusive communities.
“We play, we wonder, and we delight endlessly in the creation of strange new futures. Who wouldn’t want tobe an artist?”
Explore Art & Design Programs
A Place for Everyone
We acknowledge that for many students, barriers exist to accessing the right care, medical diagnoses, treatments, tools, and/or medication options. Arts Umbrella strives to support students who need support whether they have a diagnosis or not.
The Arts Umbrella’s Bursary Fund also helps young artists experience the freedom of creativity by providing financial support to low- and middle-income families based on financial need.
The Arts Umbrella’s Bursary Fund also helps young artists experience the freedom of creativity by providing financial support to low- and middle-income families based on financial need.
