ECU 100 Years in the Making

ECU 100
Celebrating art, design and innovation in Canada and beyond.

For a century, Emily Carr University of Art + Design has been a place where creativity sparks change.

Founded in 1925, we began as a small art school with a bold vision: that art and design could shape society, influence culture, and imagine new ways of living.

That vision has guided us ever since.

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A black-and-white photograph of an art classroom, likely from the mid-20th century. A male instructor stands beside an easel, addressing a group of students seated around him. The students, dressed in mid-century clothing, listen attentively, with paintings and canvases visible throughout the room and mounted on the walls behind them.

A Century of Shaping Ideas That Matter

From the first painters and sculptors, to today’s filmmakers, animators, designers and media artists, generations of students have come here to experiment, to take risks, and to create work that matters.

Our alumni have transformed industries, launched movements, and brought fresh ideas to communities across British Columbia, Canada, and the world. Their stories remind us that creativity is not just about expression — it is about impact.

As we celebrate 100 years, we honour this legacy of boldness and curiosity. But anniversaries are not only about looking back. They are also about asking what comes next.

At Emily Carr University, the next 100 years begin now.

With practice-based learning, research, and collaboration at our core, we continue to prepare artists, designers and creative thinkers to face the challenges of our time — and to imagine the futures we cannot yet see.

Because art and design don’t just reflect the world, they shape it.

And for 100 years, that’s exactly what we’ve been doing.

A drawing of the Vancouver School of Decorative and Applied Arts Building
A classroom in action at the Vancouver School of Decorative and Applied Arts
The cover of the Vancouver School of Art Prospectus with four snapshots of students working on different creative projects.
A group of students painting a mural at the Vancouver School of Art.
Left: A student working on a wire project in a sculpture studio. Right: A student screen printing.
A group of fashionable students socializing on the front steps of the school in the 1970s.
Emily Carr College of Art's North Building exterior and entrance on Granville Island.
A group of students sit against a wall covered in painted handprints, playfully lifting up paint-covered hands and feet to the camera.
A group of students and a faculty member in a classroom on campus on Granville Island.
Students working in a computer lab on the Granville Island campus in the 2000s.
The exterior of Emily Carr University's campus on Great Northern Way.
Dr. Trish Kelly and honoured guests during her installation ceremony on October 3, 2024, at Emily Carr University of Art + Design.
ECU staff, faculty and leadership with the City of Vancouver's Mayor and Council in the council chambers during a proclamation ceremony in honour of the university's centennial.

Alumni Connections

Five ECU graduates in black gowns and blue hoods celebrate by throwing their caps in the air outdoors against a bright, partly cloudy sky.

Stay in the Loop

As ECU turns 100, we’d love for you to be part of the celebrations and stay connected with the community that shaped you. Whether you’re looking to reconnect, grow, give back or share your journey, we’ve got you covered.

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A work by ECU Alumni Tsema Igharas

Reconnect, Grow + Give Back

Visit The Leeway to network with creative leaders, explore career resources, connect with peers through our alumni directory or sign up as a mentor. Support the next generation of artists and designers by making a donation.

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Share Your Story

We’re collecting alumni stories to spotlight during our 100th year and beyond. Take a moment to tell us about your journey.

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Centennial Stories

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Sponsorship Opportunities

As Canada’s #1 art and design university and the only Canadian university in the global top 40 for our field, ECU has shaped generations of creative leaders and thinkers who have transformed art, design, media and culture across British Columbia and beyond.

Now, we’re celebrating 100 years – and setting the stage for what comes next.

Throughout the year, we’ll honour our rich legacy and share the many ways the university has influenced creative practice and cultural life over the past century. From an inspiring speaker series and a spectacular open house to intimate dinners hosted by our President + Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Trish Kelly, ECU 100 will be filled with meaningful moments that bring thousands of people together and shine a spotlight on what’s next.

By becoming a sponsor, you’ll play a vital role in bringing our centennial events to life. You’ll align your brand with a globally recognized institution championing future leaders across the arts, culture, technology and business sectors.

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Power the Next Century of Creative Impact

Your gift during our 100th anniversary goes far beyond honouring our legacy. It propels Emily Carr University into its next bold era of creative excellence and social change. Your support fuels community initiatives and awards that empower students to drive progress in art, design and media while advancing sustainability and social justice.

Your donation supports initiatives like the Emily Cares Student Emergency Fund and the Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour Student Award Program.

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