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Province to welcome new university in February

Jan 19, 2019 | 7:53 AM

CALGARY, AB — The Alberta College of Arts and Design will officially become the province’s newest university next month.

The college will be known as the Alberta University of the Arts starting on February 1, and will be the first university in the province dedicated solely to fine arts and design.

“Creative minds have come to Calgary for nearly a century to launch international careers in graphic design, fashion and traditional media,” said Marlin Schmidt, Minister of Advanced Education, in a statement. “By granting this iconic school university status, we’re cementing an already sterling global reputation. And by investing in AUArts, we’re ensuring it remains a destination for Alberta’s artists, designers and creative leaders.”

The provincial government granted university status to the institution in 2018.

“This is a historic and most exciting moment for our 92-year-old post-secondary institution,” said Daniel Doz, president and CEO of Alberta University of the Arts, in a news release. “We have been offering professional degrees in fine art, craft and design for decades, and this coming May, students set to graduate will now proudly convocate from Alberta University of the Arts.”

The university offers a several degree programs, including an undergraduate bachelor of fine arts and a bachelor of design. It also offers a master’s degree in fine arts.