If you are certain that art school is the right choice for you but are concerned that you cannot meet our academic or English proficiency requirements, our Artstream Program may be the perfect solution. Artstream is a collaborative program between ACAD and Bow Valley College. The program provides a bridge to an art and design education for adults who do not meet ACAD's academic or English proficiency requirements, but who demonstrate artistic talent. Artstream will give you a supported start by combining selected ACAD First Year Studies courses with extensive Bow Valley College academic upgrading and support specific to an art and design education.
Students successfully completing the Artstream Program will be eligible for admission to the Alberta College of Art + Design First Year Studies. Students should note, however, that completion of Artstream will not provide them with a high school diploma. Rather, the college will waive the diploma requirements for successful Artstream students on the basis of their Artstream preparation. For students whose first language is not English and who do not otherwise meet the English proficiency requirement for admission to ACAD, successful completion of the Artstream Program will be considered to be the equivalent of at least one year of full-time study at a post-secondary institution where English is the language of instruction. This will satisfy the English proficiency requirement necessary for admission to ACAD.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Artstream Program is based on an assessment of academic transcripts, a personal statement, a portfolio, and an academic assessment. In order to be considered for admission to the Artstream Program, applicants must normally be 18 years of age or older and have been out of school for at least one year.
Application Procedures
- Download the Artstream Application Form (PDF, 710KB)
The Artstream Program has start dates in September and January with admission assessments performed continuously. Application forms are available from the Admissions and Registrar's Offices at both institutions. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Artstream Admissions Office at ACAD for personal consultation at 403.284.7617 or admissions@acad.ca
In addition to the application for admission to the Artstream Program, all applicants must submit official transcripts of their previous education (regardless of level completed), a 500 word personal statement indicating why they wish to pursue studies in the visual arts, and a portfolio of artwork. Click here for details concerning the personal statement and portfolio guidelines.
Application forms, supporting documents, and portfolios will be accepted at any time by the Admissions Office at the Alberta College of Art + Design. Application forms must be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee. Applicants whose portfolios are approved will require an academic assessment at the Bow Valley College. Applicants must be approved for both the portfolio and academic assessment in order to be admitted to the Artstream Program.
Artstream Program Requirements
The Artstream Program is a full-time program. While individual programs will vary according to students' goals and requirements, students should be able to complete the Program in one year. Students can expect to spend approximately two thirds of their time at Bow Valley College taking self-directed upgrading courses designed to prepare them for the demanding academic courses in ACAD First Year Studies. At the same time, students will also have the opportunity to take credit courses in drawing or 100 level studio courses, art history and humanities at ACAD. The number of Bow Valley College upgrading courses compared to the number of ACAD First Year Studies courses will be determined by students' academic assessments.
In order to graduate from the Artstream Program, students must satisfy the following criteria:
- Passing grades in all required BVC upgrading courses (as determined by BVC upon assessment)
- A minimum of a "C" in HUMN.124, one of AHIS.110 or AHIS.120, and one of DRWG.110, DRWG.120, DRWG.125, or 100 level studio course
- Participation in any required non-credit activities
