Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts
Break through here.
ADMISSIONS 2026
We can’t wait to see what you create
Housed in a beautifully restored heritage building in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario, our students experience a unique learning environment as soon as they step into the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine & Performing Arts (MIWSFPA). The former Canada Hair Cloth factory has been transformed into an environmentally friendly and technologically updated arts facility while retaining characteristics of the late-19th century building. It is in this remarkable venue that you will become part of a tight-knit community where creativity, collectivity, intellectual engagement and social impact intersect. Fostered by practicing professionals who deeply invest in your future as artists, scholars and teachers, ‘the Marilyn’ is among the best arts schools in Canada.
Professional facilities and flexible pathways
Our rehearsal spaces, professional exhibition and performance venues, digital classrooms and learning commons create a stimulating environment for you to pursue artistic excellence and innovation. You will benefit from small class sizes in large spaces, where we provide personalized, practice-based instruction. We offer concentrations and degree pathways that allow a blending of interests and skills, and flexible degree options. Your access to courses in all areas of the Marilyn I. Walker School creates a rewarding experience across artistic disciplines, while you enhance your degree with classes throughout the university, including the opportunity to complete two majors concurrently.
Work-integrated learning \
Our programs offer exceptional opportunities for working with industry professionals who facilitate experiential learning through co-op placements, internships and abundant performance and exhibition opportunities on stage and in galleries. Working with community partners and visiting artists, you can explore, take risks and achieve your goals in performance, production, exhibiting, curating, arts management and writing. We count numerous alumni among the professional artists and administrators working in the region and across Canada, and connect you with those who can make a difference.
Chimney Swifts and a culture of care
Construction of the Victorian building that houses the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine & Performing Arts halted when it was determined that chimney swifts, a bird with at-risk status, were communally roosting in the chimney. The architects and builders ceded construction, altering the building plans to enable the continued nesting each year. The protection of the swifts has come to convey the sense of care that permeates our entire building, starting with a generous donation from Marilyn I. Walker, a Niagara-based textile artist and philanthropist, who enabled our venue to become a reality. This care is evident through the attentive instruction by professional faculty, our carefully designed programs, our ecological considerations, and exceptional performance and exhibition facilities: light-filled, inviting and fully accessible spaces.
A leader in student support
With outstanding amenities for student health and wellness, MIWSFPA offers a dedicated Academic Advisor and drop-in health and learning supports throughout the year. A 10-minute bus ride takes you directly to the main Brock campus, where you’ll find Learning Services, the Student Union Centre, the International Centre and Student Accessibility Services. We provide a safe and accessible environment with 24-hour access to our facilities, and Campus Security readily available on-site. Brock University commits to providing every student a spot in our main campus residences their first year, making affordable housing a priority.
Green lifestyle
St. Catharines is a small and accessible city, and the downtown area is on a hill just above the Marilyn I. Walker School. There is a year-round Farmers Market only a few minutes away via an accessible walking route, with independent restaurants, cafés, shops, pubs and green spaces equally athand. A regional transit system, free to students with your transit pass, easily takes you to other places in the city and beyond. Niagara is home to many provincial parks and conservation areas, including the Bruce Trail, hiking and bike paths, Lake Ontario beaches, the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and the magnificent Niagara Falls. The area is filled with natural beauty, and the nearby escarpment is designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Marilyn I. Walker School of
Art store
VISA studios
Music wing
Partridge Family Practice Studios Digital music room
95,000 square foot facility
DART studios
Main lobby
Margarette and Milton Pummell Commons
Wardrobe shop
Green room
Recital Hall
Film House
MIW Theatre
Partridge Hall
Robertson Theatre
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre
Scene shop
Vibrant performance seasons
The Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine & Performing Arts is a dynamic hub of creative and intellectual activity. As part of the School’s annual season of events, you will experience engaging performances, exhibitions, concerts and artist talks by local and international professionals. You will also exhibit and perform your own work in our in-house theatre, studios and gallery, the nearby FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and other venues and galleries in the region.
75+ events every year
10,000 attendees annually to our performances, exhibitions, concerts, recitals and artist talks.
Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts
Marilyn I. Walker Textile Art Award
Awarded to one graduating student for a piece of their textile art, in honour of the MIWSFPA’s late benefactor and famed textile artist Marilyn I. Walker. 45+ awards, bursaries, prizes and scholarships exclusively for MIWSFPA students.
brocku.ca/safa/awards-and-bursaries
I. Walker School
Kearah Holmes, recipient of the Marilyn I. Walker Textile Art Award 2025. Generational Crafted Body (2025), Mixed media on Heritage Quilt
Kick-start your creative career here
We foster and facilitate opportunities for you to work in and around the Niagara region as an extension of the classroom. Our students gain experiential learning opportunities through co-op placements, internships and professional practice on stage and in galleries. Students can also acquire industry-specific experience through a range of in-house training opportunities offered as paid employment.
You’ll graduate from our programs with the practical industry experience and adaptability needed to tackle tomorrow’s challenges and succeed not just in fine and performing arts, but with skills that can be applied to any of your postgraduate endeavours.
Concert stage manager
Help behind the scenes at concerts or assist as an ensemble librarian.
Gallery monitors
Learn the behind-the-scenes process of installing a professional art exhibition while engaging with the work of your peers and professional artists. Assist with opening receptions and interacting with the public.
Music practicum
Work side-by-side as a for-credit volunteer with local music professionals in music education, music health/therapy, music administration or music in the community.
Digital Media kiosk
Learn the tools of digital technology and equipment loans by working in the Digital Media kiosk.
Theatre internship
Put your learning to the test in one of the renowned Shaw Theatre houses in Niagara-onthe-Lake, and experience on stage and behind the scenes production both in-house and in regional venues.
Art
Store assistant
Gain knowledge of art materials, inventory and customer service by working in the Art Store.
Certificate programs
Study part-time in a non-degree program to acquire an interdisciplinary background in Arts Management, Arts and Culture Studies or Photography.
Arts Leadership
Studies in Arts and Culture
The Arts Leadership program (formerly Studies in Arts and Culture) welcomes students who wish to explore and gain a critical view of contemporary culture by engaging in pragmatic and experiential learning. Our undergraduate degrees provide specific experiences in arts and cultural management, intermedia and interdisciplinarity, and cultural critique and agency. This is a powerhouse degree program that combines the best of the Faculties of Humanities, Social Sciences and the Goodman School of Business, and features innovative, unique projects like creative publishing at the Small Walker Press.
Arts Leadership (ARTL) connects students and faculty from Visual Arts, Dramatic Arts, Music, Communication, Popular Culture and Film, Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures, Geography and Tourism Studies, Sociology, the Goodman School of Business and others across campus through a program of courses and cultural experiences. During their studies, students develop crucial skills for a successful career, among them creative problem-solving, effective communication, cultural perceptiveness, team spirit, resiliency and adaptability. ARTL majors are offered the opportunity to complete arts management, curatorial or publishing training at selected organizations.
ARTL is offered by the Centre for Studies in Arts and Culture, which is home to the Research Centre in Interdisciplinary Arts and Creative Culture and the Small Walker Press. These programs encourage collaborative work that brings together authors and artists from the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine & Performing Arts, across Canada and internationally.
Admissions
Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, with an overall average of 70 per cent in a minimum of six 4U (including English 4U) or 4M courses, or equivalent. Students are encouraged to have taken 4U courses in history, philosophy, classical studies and international languages. Students apply directly to the BA Honours in Arts Leadership.
Mature and transfer students are welcome to inquire about learning opportunities in ARTL.
“One of the standout aspects of my experience at Brock University was the exceptional focus on students. Throughout my time, I consistently felt supported and valued, and faculty members were genuinely invested in my success.”
Sarah Fisher
BA ’23, Studies in Arts and Culture, Cultural Management
Minor in
Tourism Studies
Degrees offered
∙ BA Honours in Arts Leadership
∙ BA in Arts Leadership (Pass)
∙ Combined Major in Arts Leadership (Honours)
∙ Combined Major in Arts Leadership (Pass)
∙ Minor in Arts Leadership
∙ Certificate in Arts and Culture Studies
∙ Certificate in Arts Management
Core courses in these programs include: Critical Practice in the Fine and Performing Arts, Arts Management, Curatorial Practice, Producing a Performance Event.
Other ARTL courses include: Media Transformations in the Creative Arts, Publishing: Creative Elements and Editorial Process, Interpretive and Critical Writing in the Arts, and Creating Social Value from Material Culture.
Students also take a selection of courses from participating departments at MIWSFPA, as well as Communication, Popular Culture and Film, Goodman School of Business, Sociology and Geography and Tourism Studies.
Where can you go from here?
Careers related to Arts Leadership:
∙ Curator
∙ Manager or administrator for cultural institutions like museums, performing arts centres, art galleries or cultural associations
∙ Visitor engagement coordinator, cultural outreach officer, cultural events planner, conference manager, communication and marketing team member, tourism, program development and education coordinator
∙ Public sector: working on arts policy, programming for cultural agencies or for municipal, provincial or federal governments
∙ Entrepreneurship opportunities to run, or contribute to, theatre companies, arts festivals, exhibitions or presentation centres
∙ Editorial team member for magazines and publishers
∙ Humanities research and development officer
Transferable skills:
∙ Critical thinking
∙ Writing, research and communication skills
∙ Discipline and interpersonal skills
∙ Research and creative problem solving skills
Other future career paths:
The Arts Leadership program is an excellent foundation for further study in Master of Arts programs in Digital Communications, Art History, Curatorial Studies and Arts Administration.
Concentrations
Cultural Management
This program brings together learning opportunities from two leading Faculties at Brock University: The Faculty of Humanities — through the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine & Performing Arts — and the Goodman School of Business. This is the ideal program for students who seek to graduate with employable skills as cultural managers in music, visual arts and dramatic arts. Students may pursue experiential learning or practicum experiences with professionals and organizations in the Niagara region.
Cultural Transmission and Heritage Studies
The Concentration in Cultural Transmission and Heritage Studies offers students the opportunity to engage in crossdisciplinary curatorial projects as well as gain insight and knowledge in intersecting fields exploring arts and cultural heritage. This concentration is a co-operation between Arts Leadership, History, Geography and Tourism Studies.
Languages, Arts and Culture
This concentration combines language acquisition (French, German, Italian or Spanish) in the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures with interdisciplinary work in arts and culture. It attracts future teachers who wish to add hands-on experience in arts and culture to their language skills, as well as future artists, arts managers and curators who wish to develop their career in a bilingual environment.
Contact information
905 688 5550 x4820
stac@brocku.ca
The program set me up well with the entrepreneurial skills needed to be an artist. I could create opportunities for myself and fellow artists to grow in our practice and strengthen the cultural scope where we live. Just like that, I was producing Dance and Movement Days for the St. Catharines community and making my dreams a reality.”
Skye Rogers
STAC ’22, Certificate in Arts and Culture Studies
Co-Artistic Director of retrograde: dance in motion and Tapestry Theatre Collective, Artistic Associate with Aeris Körper Contemporary Dance City of St. Catharines Emerging Artist Award nominee, 2024
Creative-in-Residence, Ontario Culture Days, 2024
Department of Dramatic Arts
Mainstage production Metamorphoses by Mary Zimmerman, directed by Gyllian Raby, MIW Theatre, Feb. 2025
As a Dramatic Arts (DART) student, you’ll work with exceptional faculty, artists and theatre professionals from Niagara, the GTA, across Canada and internationally. Our degrees celebrate courses that integrate theory and practice. We explore ways in which creativity and analysis are linked culturally, historically, and in students’ own projects.
DART mounts an annual season of productions directed and produced by faculty, guest artists, students and staff working at the leading edges of performance, research and practice. You will immerse yourself in creative and production roles, mentorships and project courses led by theatre professionals, internships and co-op placements with regional theatres, or research assistantships with faculty and visiting artist-scholars. These work-integrated learning experiences will translate your skills into professional theatre, provide opportunities in diverse employment avenues, and prepare you for further study beyond graduation.
Concentrations
Design and Production
The Design and Production concentration prepares you for design and production work, crewing and other elements of technical theatre stagecraft.
Performance
The Performance concentration involves a core series of courses to unlock your potential as a stage actor, theatre artist and creator. You will develop the foundations of stage performance while engaging in script analysis, personal artistic reflection and creative research.
Theatre Creation
The Theatre Creation concentration invites you to investigate your voice as an artist as you focus on writing, directing and devising in ways that inspire performance, design and production.
Other opportunities:
∙ New Works Festival, for first years
∙ One-Acts Festival, directed by students
∙ DART 4D56, a fourth-year student production
∙ Rise and Shine, a student-driven festival
∙ Summer Institute, for creative research and development
“
Dramatic Arts is an exceptional program with endless opportunities to create and learn. There’s so much to do and this environment truly fosters growth and exploration. During my time here I got to work with Toronto industry directors, local theatre companies and the Shaw Festival, allowing me to transfer my skills from the classroom to the real world. Personally, that’s what I love the most about this place; constantly being around people who are just as passionate about theatre as I am helps me thrive as an artist.”
Hayley King
Dramatic Arts, Concentration in Performance
Degrees offered
∙ BA Honours in Dramatic Arts
Concentrations are available in Performance, Design and Production, and Theatre Creation.
A co-op program is also available.
∙ BA with Major Program
∙ BA in Dramatic Arts (Pass)
∙ Minor in Dramatic Arts
∙ Combined Major Program
∙ Concurrent BA/BEd Study in Dramatic Arts and the Faculty of Education to earn two undergraduate degrees.
Options include:
Concurrent BA (Honours):
BEd Intermediate/Senior –Dramatic Arts.
Concurrent BA Integrated Studies (Honours):
BEd Junior/Intermediate –Dramatic Arts as teachable subject.
Create in the Marilyn I. Walker Theatre’s 242-seat venue with adjacent green and dressing rooms
Experiment, collaborate and perform in 4 rehearsal studios
Gain hands-on technical experience in the scenery studio, wardrobe shop, and production lighting and sound shops
When I performed in my first mainstage production in DART, King Ubu, it was how I felt when performing that made me truly fall in love with acting as a career. From that point on, I was driven to be the best actor I could be, spurred on by the support of the DART faculty, students and my classmates.”
Jasmine Case
BA ’20, Dramatic Arts, Concentration in Performance
2024 Dora Award for Outstanding Individual Performance
2025 Dora Award for Outstanding Ensemble Performance “
Photo: Justin Michael Carriere
How to apply DART Invitational 2026
All applicants should see this web page for more information about applying to Brock University: brocku.ca/admissions/apply
Your application will be reviewed, and if successful, a conditional offer of admission will be made as early as December.
Once you have received your conditional offer from the University, you must then register for the Dart Invitational, which will take place at the Marilyn I. Walker campus in downtown St. Catharines.
Details will be announced at the following website as soon as they are available: brocku.ca/miwsfpa/dramatic-arts/dart-invitational
What is the DART Invitational?
The DART Invitational is part of the admissions process for students interested in entering the Department of Dramatic Arts (DART) at Brock University. Applicants for the Dramatic Arts and BA/BEd Intermediate-Senior (Dramatic Arts) programs must register in and successfully complete the DART Invitational before an admissions decision is made.
The 2026 DART Invitational is an exciting day of workshops that will introduce you to the many facets of theatre study in our program — from theatre creation, to design and production, to performance and theatre praxis (the synthesis of theory and practice). Whereas most drama programs ask you to audition with prepared monologues, we will be taking you through a series of workshops. You’ll complete the day having learned new skills, experienced creating an original piece of theatre with peers, and engaged with many of our faculty, staff, current students and alumni.
How much does it cost?
The DART Invitational event has a registration fee of $100, which includes materials, lunch, refreshments and snacks.
International applicants and applicants who live further than 500 km from Niagara
You are invited to contact the department to schedule an alternate Invitational experience. This may include the submission of:
∙ a video portfolio
∙ an interview by videoconference
∙ a letter of reference
∙ the assignments we ask students to complete at the DART Invitational
Contact the Department of Dramatic Arts at dramatic@brocku.ca to book a personal alternate interview.
Questions?
Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about the Invitational process. Questions should be directed to the Chair of Dramatic Arts at dramatic@brocku.ca
For information related to the admissions process, please contact our Admissions Office at futurestudent@brocku.ca
Careers related to Dramatic Arts:
∙ Theatre artist: actor, director, designer, playwright, technician
∙ Theatre administrator, production and stage manager
∙ Drama therapist, drama for community development
∙ Teacher, educator, researcher, professor
∙ Writer for cultural industries, including criticism and theory
∙ Influencer and agent for social/cultural change
∙ Creator for media industries
Transferable skills:
∙ Problem-solving
∙ Critical thinking and communication
∙ Discipline and interpersonal skills
∙ Improved language abilities
Other future career paths:
∙ Lawyer and conflict negotiator
∙ Corporate leadership trainer
∙ Voice and speech therapist
∙ Drama therapist
DART also provides an excellent foundation for further studies, including teaching certificates, acting conservatories or university graduate studies at the master’s or doctoral level.
Contact information
905 688 5550 x5255 dramatic@brocku.ca
Department of Music
Discover your voice in a dynamic and supportive music community. As a student in the Department of Music, you will receive personalized performance training and academic support in the inspiring spaces of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts and the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. We offer both flexibility and structure so that you can build your degree around what inspires you, with courses ranging from performance, theory, composition, music history, conducting, music education and choral pedagogy, to areas such as music therapy, acoustics, game and film music and music technology.
Concentrations
Music Education
Offers a strong foundation for students interested in Teachers College or a career in teaching and private studio instruction. Courses are focused on foundations in music teaching, vocal and instrumental techniques, conducting, music technology and music cognition. Music education-based practicum placements are also available.
Music Performance (BMus)
Designed for students aiming to build a professional career in performance. Admission to this concentration is determined by a juried audition held at the end of first year. In years two through four, students prepare for three public solo recitals.
Music Therapy Foundations (BMus)
Provides strong preparatory training for graduate studies and eventual certification in Music Therapy. Courses include introductory music therapy, music cognition, improvisation, techniques in voice, percussion, guitar and psychology. Music therapy-based practicum placements are also available.
Choral Music
Developed for aspiring teachers and conductors who want to develop their skills and confidence in choral leadership in preparation for a teaching or conducting career, or further study at the graduate level. Courses include foundations in music teaching, vocal techniques, choral arranging and conducting.
Community Music
Ensembles include:
∙ Brock University Choir
∙ Brock Wind Ensemble
∙ Brock Big Band
Offered to those interested in developing leadership skills in participatory group music-making in a variety of community settings. Courses include foundations in music teaching, vocal and instrumental techniques and conducting. Community-based practicum placements are also available.
Students are not required to declare a concentration.
Degrees offered
∙ Bachelor of Music (BMus)
Extensive training for the future professional musician. Lessons and masterclasses on your instrument or voice are an integral part of this degree, as are core academic courses.
∙ BA Honours in Music
Comprehensive and flexible education in all core areas of music study. Lessons are optional, allowing you room to explore your interests in music and related fields.
∙ BA Honours combined
The “Music and…” combination, where you mix Music equally with another subject of your choice. Recent combinations include Music and French, Music and Mathematics, Music and English, and Music and Psychology.
∙ Minor in Music, Choral/Vocal Music or Instrumental Music
∙ Certificate in Choral/Vocal Music or Instrumental Music
Join a vibrant and welcoming community with intimate class sizes and personalized, professional music training
Explore your artistic potential rehearsing and performing in the stunning facilities of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre
Shape your music degree around what inspires you — a balance of flexibility and structure supports your unique path
“Choosing to attend Brock University to study music changed my life. I’ve grown tremendously — musically, technically and personally. My confidence has flourished and the connections I have made are invaluable. I’ve always felt that my talent and hard work were recognized and appreciated, never diminished. The music faculty genuinely care about each student — about our growth and potential while at Brock and after we graduate.”
Joslyn Dunlop
BMus ’25, Concentration in Music Education
2024 Medland & Green Inspiring Artist Bursary recipient
How to apply Entrance evaluations for the Department of Music
Our entrance evaluation process is tailored to the needs of each student, depending on the program and courses you wish to take in Music at Brock.
Entry into the Bachelor of Music degree
An instrumental or vocal audition of two contrasting selections at a high intermediate to advanced level and a successful theory evaluation are required for entry into the BMus program.
Entry into the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree
The BA in Music offers direct entry into the program, without an audition. Once accepted, students complete a theory placement to determine which theory course will be the best fit. Lessons to BA students are available by audition.
How to apply:
For complete information on the application and audition process, visit brocku.ca/miwsfpa/music/entrance-evals
Scholarships
We have a host of generous and competitive scholarships and awards for incoming and current music students. brocku.ca/safa/awards-and-bursaries/future-students
Questions?
For questions about the entrance evaluation process, including online evaluations, please contact the Department of Music for more information: music@brocku.ca
For information related to the general admissions process, please contact the Admissions Office at futurestudent@brocku.ca
Scan here to start your application today!
Where can you go from here?
A degree in Music can prepare you for any number of exciting music-related careers. Your undergraduate degree is just the beginning.
Careers related to Music:
∙ Performance: Solo, ensemble, live or recorded
∙ Teaching: Private lessons, early childhood education or traditional classroom instruction
∙ Music and health: Music therapy and music medicine
∙ Music administration: Agent, concert promoter or tour organizer
∙ Composition/arranging: Music for games/films
∙ Music broadcasting and recording: Sound recording and production
∙ Instrument manufacturing, repair and sales
∙ Law (copyright, cultural property)
Transferable skills:
∙ Problem solving
∙ Critical thinking and communication
∙ Discipline and interpersonal skills
∙ Improved language abilities
Department
of
Visual Arts
In the Department of Visual Arts, learning happens in well-equipped studios and teaching spaces and extends into the heart of our vibrant local arts community. We offer education in two distinct but interconnected Majors: Studio Art and the History of Art and Visual Culture.
Studio Art students receive high-quality instruction in hands-on, studio-based practices, gaining experience across a broad range of disciplines, including drawing, painting, photography, digital media, sound, sculpture and interdisciplinary approaches. Our award-winning faculty are committed to supporting your academic success, creative growth and professional development through learner-centered teaching and individualized mentorship. Studio Art students will take courses in the History of Art and Visual Culture as part of their degree and will gain solid grounding in art history, visual culture and critical contexts.
Each new academic year in the Department of Visual Arts brings fresh and inspiring opportunities to participate in exhibitions, attend workshops and guest lectures and take part in events that will expand your skills, enrich your creative practice and strengthen your connections within the arts community.
Admissions
Ontario secondary school students must have a minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses and have completed the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Required course: ENG4U
Recommended courses: One from 4U history, philosophy, classical studies or international language.
Expected entrance average: mid-70s
Students applying to the Studio Art program are required to submit a portfolio (details on page 30).
“My time with Brock gave me the skills to help me stabilize my career. Since graduating, I’ve been a practising artist and gallery technician in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I have continued to grow as an artist, challenging myself and the art practice I fostered in the Studio Art program. When I look back, it is marvellous how many supports that buoy me now began with the opportunities afforded to me while studying at Brock, especially the introduction to my first art community.”
Ben ‘B’ Mosher BA ’15, Studio Art
Degrees offered
∙ BA Honours in Studio Art
Develop your artistic skills, learn new techniques and technologies and develop your professional practice. Courses offered include painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, media and digital art.
∙ BA in Studio Art (Pass)
∙ Minor in Studio Art
∙ Concurrent BA/BEd
Earn two undergraduate degrees –one in Visual Arts (Studio Art) and one in Education.
Options include:
Concurrent BA (Honours): BEd Intermediate/Senior –Visual Arts as a Major.
Concurrent BA Integrated Studies (Honours): BEd Junior/Intermediate –Visual Arts as teachable subject.
∙ Certificate in Photography
Exhibit and experience art in on-site student gallery and exhibition spaces
Create whenever inspiration strikes in studios that are brimming with natural light — many with 24 hour access
Develop strong analogue and digital photography skills in our darkroom and digital media lab
“The VISA program prepared me for a professional artistic practice. More importantly, it provided me with an intense level of excitement and motivation to continue on with an art career. Through keeping myself disciplined with deadlines, the School gifted me with the habit of making my artistic practice an integral part of my day-to-day life. Two years after graduating and I have not stopped making art; it is constantly on my mind and executed with my hands.”
Emily Au
BA ’23, Honours in Studio Art Minor in Women’s and Gender Studies
2024 Ceramic Excellence Award Winner, Toronto Outdoor Art Fair
Photo: Amy Friend
How to apply The Studio Art program
Portfolios are a required part of the admissions process for students applying to Studio Art and Concurrent Education (Intermediate/Senior –Visual Arts Major). We must receive your complete portfolio submission by Feb. 1, 2026 to consider your application for studies beginning in September 2026.
For portfolio requirements: brocku.ca/miwsfpa/visual-arts/apply
1. Letter of Intent (max. 300 words)
Tell us what motivates and inspires your creative work. Describe your reasons for wanting to study visual arts and let us know what art practices interest you. You may choose to share what you have studied in the past or where you hope your studies might take you. Provide information that helps to contextualize your digital portfolio.
2. A Digital Portfolio (6-8 of your artworks)
Your digital portfolio will consist of 6-8 examples of your creative work and an image list. Select your strongest work or what you feel best represents you and your interests. Your submissions can include a range of media and approaches. Up to 2 images can be sketchbook images, progress shots or detail images.
∙ Images: Images must be submitted as jpg files. Files must not be larger than 2 MB. Please ensure images are well documented (e.g., in focus, cropped, and an accurate representation of the original work).
∙ Time-based/Digital Media: Time-based media should be edited to 1 minute samples and submitted as a AVI, MOV (QuickTime Video), MPEG, MP4, WMV (Windows Media Video), MP3 or WAV. (For VR objects, programs, game environments, digital models or other digital files, please provide a video sample or still images. You may also provide a working web link, if relevant, on your image list.)
∙ Image List: Your image list should be a full list of the creative works that you are including in your portfolio and it should be numbered to match the numbering of your jpg/media files (e.g., 01-08). For each item, please list: file number, title, medium, size, date completed. You are also welcome to include a brief description of each creative work, if you like.
Submission formats
Please submit all text documents (Letter of Intent, and Image List) as PDF documents. When titling documents please use this format: Lastname_Firstname_Letter.pdf (e.g., Smith_Sam_Letter.pdf, Smith_Sam_List.pdf)
Digital Portfolio files should be submitted with the same formatting as mentioned previously, with the addition of the numbered ordering for each piece (e.g., Smith_ Sam_01.jpg, Smith_Sam_02.mp4, Smith_Sam_03.WAV, etc.).
How to submit:
Email your application to: artsubmissions@brocku.ca
Subject line: Studio Art Application
In your email, please include your full name, Brock Student ID number, and your date of birth. Then attach your letter of intent, your 6-8 digital portfolio files, and your image list.
Send files only as attachments. Do not use Google Drive or other cloud links.
Important! Before you submit your letter of intent and digital portfolio, make sure that you have applied for admission. You can visit brocku.ca/admissions/apply for more information on how to apply. When you receive your conditional offer, you will be assigned a student ID number; please include this number in your portfolio submission e-mail. We look forward to receiving your application.
Questions?
Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about the portfolio process. Questions can be sent to artsubmissions@brocku.ca
For information related to the admissions process, including minimum academic requirements for entry, please contact our Admissions Office at futurestudent@brocku.ca
About half of all Ontario artists (47 per cent) are self employed, (source, Statistics Canada) and many of our graduates go on to establish their own professional practice as artists.
Careers related to Visual Arts:
∙ Professional artist
∙ Arts Administration (Arts, Culture and Heritage)
∙ Curatorial Practice (art galleries and museums)
∙ Arts Education
∙ Teaching
∙ Writer
∙ Photographer
∙ Film Industry
∙ Graphic Design
∙ Web Design
∙ Law (copyright, repatriation of cultural artifacts, cultural property)
∙ Archivist
Transferable skills:
∙ Hands-on experience in a wide range of techniques and technologies
∙ Critical thinking and creative problem solving
∙ Digital literacy skills
∙ Writing, research and communication skills
Contact information 905 688 5550 x3214 visualarts@brocku.ca Where
History of Art and Visual Culture
History of Art and Visual Culture students explore the historical aspects of art and imagery as they connect to the present. Our program emphasizes and fosters visual literacy and critical thinking — essential skills for navigating our image-driven world.
Courses are innovative, interdisciplinary and thematic, incorporating experiential and collaborative learning that helps students develop a confident, creative voice. Students will have the opportunity to advance these skills in courses such as Socially Engaged Art, Art and the Environment, and Forbidden Knowledge, Dangerous Art.
Acclaimed scholars in their fields, our exceptional faculty are deeply committed to supporting your academic development and preparing you to apply your skills in both advanced study and professional contexts — including careers in museums, galleries, education, arts administration, cultural policy and more.
For more information visit brocku.ca/visualarts/havc
“Brock and the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine & Performing Arts gave me a safe place to explore my interests and capabilities, and to make connections I’ll cherish forever. Being able to work in the Media Lab and the Visual Arts Gallery at the Marilyn gave me critical experience working in the field, situating me more deeply in the broader arts community. HAVC’s diverse courses and expert professors gave me skills and resources that have translated seamlessly into my graduate work which is invaluable to me.”
Madeline Collins
BA ’22, History of Art and Visual Culture Minor in French Studies
Contributor, Journal of Curatorial Studies, 2023, 2025
Teaching Assistant, OCAD University
Degrees offered
∙ BA Honours in History of Art and Visual Culture
Learn how images shape our cultures, experiences and histories. Explore historical and contemporary art and visual culture with the aim of uncovering how images express meaning.
∙ Minor in History of Art and Visual Culture
∙ Combined Major in History of Art and Visual Culture
Students apply directly to the BA Honours in History of Art and Visual Culture.
Walker Cultural Leaders
The Walker Cultural Leader Series was founded through the generosity of the late Marilyn I. Walker and provides programming that celebrates professional achievement, artistic endeavour and the indelible role of culture in our society. You will benefit from close personal interaction with these professional artists in workshops, masterclasses, studio visits and performances that will inspire you through unique hands-on learning experiences.
I. Walker
Jace Kaholokula Saplan, 2022 Walker Cultural Leader, Music. Photo: Charles Kim
MIWSFPA Land Acknowledgment
At the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, we acknowledge that we are situated on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Attawandaron people. We acknowledge the immense harm done to First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities throughout Turtle Island, and respect and affirm the Treaty Rights of all Indigenous peoples. We are committed to the ongoing processes of reconciliation and decolonization that result in meaningful work on this site. In recognition of a history that precedes us, we bring great care to the processes of creating, innovating and expressing that we undertake at the School.
In our commitment to moving beyond supremacy in all its forms, we honour the knowledge carriers, water protectors, the land and all living entities — past, present, and future — that impress upon this space. We invite you to consider one thing you can actively do today to participate in making necessary change.
Marilyn I. Walker School of
Admissions checklist
Dramatic Arts (BA)
Concurrent BA (Honours): BEd Intermediate/Senior – Dramatic Arts
Concurrent BA Integrated Studies (Honours): BEd Junior/Intermediate –Dramatic Arts as teachable subject
BM BMM Music (BMUS) Music (BA)
BAC Arts Leadership (BA Honours)
BR Visual Arts – History of Art and Visual Culture (BA)
Visual Arts — Studio Art (BA)
Concurrent BA (Honours) BEd Intermediate/Senior – Visual Arts
Concurrent BA Integrated Studies (Honours): BEd Junior/Intermediate –Visual Arts as teachable subject
Yes
ENG4U. Applicants are required to take part in the DART Invitational. See page 18 and visit brocku.ca/dramatic-arts for more information.
ENG 4U, one 4U math
DART Invitational audition required, see above.
ENG 4U, one 4U math
ENG4U
Audition, theory placement, and interview required. Visit brocku.ca/music for details.
ENG 4U.
Entrance Evaluation is required. See brocku.ca/music for details.
ENG4U
ENG4U
No portfolio required.
ENG4U. A portfolio is required by Feb.1, 2026.
For more information, see page 30 and visit brocku.ca/visual-arts
ENG 4U, one 4U math
Portfolio required. See above.
ENG 4U, one 4U math
One from the following list: 4U history, 4U Music, 4U philosophy, 4U classical studies, or 4U international language
One from 4U history, 4U Music, 4U philosophy, 4U classical studies, or 4U international language
One from the following list: 4U history, philosophy, classical studies or international language (strongly recommended) mid-70s
One from the following list: 4U history, philosophy, classical studies or international language (strongly recommended) mid-70s
One from the following list: 4U history, philosophy, classical studies or international language mid-70s
BT BAI
BAJ
BR BAI
BAJ
Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine & Performing Arts
15 Artists’ Common St. Catharines, ON L2R 4H5 brocku.ca/miwsfpa
Brock University Niagara Region
1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1
905 688 5550 x4293 futurestudent@brocku.ca brocku.ca
Brock Central @ The Registrar’s Office Third floor of Schmon Tower (Main campus)
Monday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
905 688 5550 x3052 905 988 5488