Vancouver Institute of Media Arts is a private post-secondary school in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada founded in 1995.
Recognizing the industrys need for a skilled and specialized workforce, VanArts offers a variety of highly focused diploma programs designed to prepare students for work in specific areas of the media arts including Visual Effects Production, Game Asset Design, Character Animation, Digital Photography, Acting for Film & Television, Web Development and Broadcasting.
By developing a well-rounded curriculum of visual, media and performing arts, VanArts has created an educational environment that encourages collaboration between its programs of study. With a faculty and advisory board that draws directly from the relevant industries, VanArts provides its students with the foundation and mentorship necessary to launch a career.
Campus:
The VanArts campus commands the top four floors of a modern office building in central downtown Vancouver, with over 24,000 square feet. From the top floor you will be able to enjoy a panoramic view of the North Shore Mountains, Burrard Inlet and the surrounding urban landscape.
VanArts is conveniently located directly across the street from the SkyTrain station, parking and bus stations. Moments away are the boutiques of bustling Robson Street, the Vancouver Art Gallery, historic Chinatown and Gastown, the Vancouver Public Library, fashionable Yaletown and countless theatres, clubs, restaurants and shops.
Mission:
Our mission is to contribute to the development of the individual student is artistic and career potential by bringing together world-class instructors to teach, inspire, motivate and pass their knowledge on to students and support the development of their talents and realization of their dreams in the visual, media and performing arts.
Current Goals:
- Continue our commitment to quality programs responding to the needs of the creative industries which we serve.
- Nurture collaborative partnerships with local and international industry leaders.
- Further strengthen interdepartmental collaboration, thereby enhancing a student is opportunity for greater learning through exposure to artists from complimentary disciplines.
- Develop pathway degree opportunities allowing our graduates to receive academic credits towards an undergraduate or graduate degree.
Accreditations
VanArts is accredited by PCTIA (Private Career Training Institutions Agency of BC), and has been awarded an Education Quality Assurance (EQA) standing by the province of British Columbia.
Some details you may cover under this section are the Year of Establishment & Mission of the Institute, the various Accreditations, Ranking & Recognitions, whether Public or Private Institute, USP is for International Students & International Student Strength & also the Courses which are highly demanded by Student
Location & Facilities
Vancouver is often called "Hollywood North" because of its thriving film and television industries. But it is now much more than that. Vancouver is also home to numerous animation and visual effects studios, design firms, media and games companies and a thriving business community. VanArts urban campus is at the hub of these businesses, close to our colleagues that we collaborate with on a daily basis. Many of our instructors work in these same studios as leaders in their professions. Many of our graduates now work there too.
Student Services
Being a student at VanArts will change your life, and open you up to a world of new mentorships, friendships and opportunities. From your daily experiences in the classroom, to school events and activities in the city of Vancouver, the year you spend with us is one of both serious work and play as a creative person. Though you come here to focus in your particular area of study, you have many opportunities to collaborate and learn from students & professionals in other departments and disciplines, making your experience unique, diverse and well-rounded.
- Classroom Areas & Theatre
- Housing, Transport & Tourism
- Required Reading
- Communications & Computers
- Vancouver Art & Bookstores
- Academic Policy
- Supply Lists
Career Support
VanArts is well connected to the industries we serve and can help you with your job search in a number of ways. We assist our students to find employment through networking with industry professionals and responding to individual recruiting needs, essential for competing in today market. Often the best resource for finding a job is maintaining close relationships with your instructors, classmates and guest speakers. Student Services and Department Heads also send out e-mails during and after the program when they hear of job postings or recruiting events.
Becoming a member of the local Vancouver SIGGRAPH Chapter (details at vancouver.siggraph.org) is also a vital method for staying connected to the local community, for networking at industry events, mixers and festivals.
Accommodation:
While VanArts does not provide housing for students, there are a wealth of locations in the Vancouver area for students to find housing, shared accommodations, or short term residences. This will help you on your search for a residence while you are attending VanArts.
Rentals - Furnished or Unfurnished
Websites for affordable furnished or unfurnished rental suites in the Greater Vancouver area include:
- Airbnb.com
- Padmapper.com
- 24/7 Apartments
- UBC/AMS Rents Line
- Apartment Guide
- My Ideal Home
- Places 4 Rent
- Rents Line
- Craig's List - Vancouver
- Rentseeker.ca
- www.austeville.com
- Direct Google Search Link: Rentals in Vancouver at $500/month
Bell Accommodation Services
Contact Marilyn Bell for assistance in finding a house or apartment specifically for students. Applications can be submitted anytime and replies expected 2-3 months before your program start date.
Ph: (604)875-1742 / www.bellacc.com
Campus Resources
The major universities here in Vancouver offer a number of off-campus housing solutions.
YWCA Hotel Residence
There is a housing facility located in downtown Vancouver, only a few blocks away from the school. Interested applicants should phone the YWCA as listed below for details. You can also book a room online. This is a good option for a temporary place to stay while searching for an apartment
Homestay Companies
International students might consider the option of homestay, a network providing students with housing opportunities with local Vancouver families. This is an affordable way of providing room and board, and a detailed questionnaire helps to place students with appropriate families. Great for international students looking to improve their English speaking skills.