A different kind of school — for a different kind of artist.
DIPLOMA PROGRAM SUBJECTS
The Photographic Arts and Production Diploma Program operates on a unique subject-based learning system. Each subject represents a critical topic or area of artistic development. Year 1 focuses on exploration and experimentation and Year 2 focuses on the refinement of your professional artistic practice.
YEAR 1 SUBJECTS
110: GENRE: LANDSCAPE + ARCHITECTURE
120: GENRE: STILL LIFE
130: GENRE: PORTRAITURE
140: GENRE: DOCUMENTARY
150: GENRE: CONTEMPORARY + EXPERIMENTAL
160: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
170: INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVE OUTCOMES
YEAR 2 SUBJECTS
210: PROJECT CONCEPT AND PLANNING
220: PRINTMAKING PRODUCTION
230: ARTIST IDENTITY DESIGN AND BRANDING
240: CRITIQUE AND ANALYSIS
250: ADVANCED CREATIVE OUTCOMES
260: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
SPAO FACULTY
Meet your future mentors. Learn about their individual skill sets below.
MICHAEL TARDIOLI
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
KAYLE NEWELL
FACULTY
OLIVIA JOHNSTON
FACULTY
BEN WELLAND
FACULTY
NEEKO PALUZZI
FACULTY
AMY BRUCE
FACULTY
RUTH LESS
FACULTY
JONATHAN HOBIN
ADJUNCT FACULTY
Where vision and skill come into focus.
RESOURCES + SUPPORT
ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENTS
Our alumni population is small but mighty. Take a look at our alumni’s latest achievements.
Image by Olivia Johnston
SELECTED
STUDENT WORK
View the work created by previous diploma students during their enrolment.
Image by Angela Walker
BURSARY
SUPPORT + INFO
Learn about our Solstice Bursaries and how we can provide financial support.
Image by Dion Prints
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE
Here’s everything you need to know when applying as an international student.
Image by Vivian Tors
Graduates of the program emerge prepared for a specialized career in the photographic arts.
QUICK LINKS
OUR FACILITY
Take a self-guided virtual tour of the SPAO Centre and learn more about our darkroom, studio, media lab, gallery, and more.
OUR STORY
The School of the Photographic Arts: Ottawa was established in 2005 as an alternative for study in the photographic visual arts.