An outstanding visual arts education

Sheridan is the only visual arts college in Canada where you can:

• Establish your identity as an artist.
• Build up a body of mature work.
• Understand the business practices of galleries, museums, commercial firms, and other players in the art marketplace.

It starts with the art

You'll make art from day one, taking visual arts courses during Year 1 in drawing, painting, sculpture and design. From there you'll build progressively toward mastery of an individual visual arts skill-set. Students can earn a college certificate after one year, a diploma after two years, or an advanced diploma by remaining in the program for a third year.

Transfer opportunities

Visual and Creative Arts graduates can continue their studies at other visual arts institutions. Sheridan has transfer agreements in place with the Ontario College of Art and Design (BFA), Brock University (BFA), Griffith University (in Brisbane, Australia) (MAVA), and other institutions.

Additional information

Sheridan offers a visual arts program like no other. We combine rigorous studio-based visual arts training with business and marketing coursework to produce a unique education in "entrepreneurial art." You'll develop more than a portfolio; you'll also develop the professionalism necessary for a successful career in the vibrant visual arts and culture sector.

During the second year (and third year, if applicable), you'll learn to integrate your studio skills with art-related careers, learning the basics of:

• Artist representation
• Gallery operation
• Online visual art applications (including web design)
• Public-art projects
• Negotiation with private-sector clients

Our professors are all practicing pros who know how to create profitable outlets for their visual arts talent. They're well connected to galleries, studios, agencies, and other players in the Greater Toronto Area's visual arts scene.

Recent Visual and Creative Arts program graduates have found employment in such roles as:

• Web design
• Digital prepress
• Gallery operation
• Graphic artist/design
• Illustration
• Photographer's assistant
• Public-art projects
• Signage
• Self-employed artist/designer

Visual arts and culture sector professionals are often self-employed, and this program will help prepare graduates to open their own studios or businesses.

Graduates can also continue their formal training in a variety of arts programs at Sheridan, or in other arts programs with our university and college partners.