Research

Research at ECU

The Urban Screen and East Entrance at Emily Carr University showcase a modern architectural design with vibrant colors and large glass windows. The building features a prominent digital display screen on the side, adding a dynamic visual element to the campus. The entrance is marked by wooden accents and clear signage, creating an inviting and contemporary atmosphere.
Research

Research at ECU

Shumka Centre for Creative Entrepreneurship

Helping artists and designers move their work into the world through community, resources and real-world opportunities.

ECU student Eknoor Matharoo collaborates with students from the Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA) during the Tide Places: Artists in Dialogue residency. The group is engaged in a workshop setting, working together at a table with papers and materials spread out. The atmosphere reflects a dynamic exchange of ideas as participants focus on their tasks, showcasing the cross-cultural collaboration facilitated by Canadian artist Lou Sheppard, Estonian artist Laura Põld, and ECU researcher Laura Kozak.

A Launchpad for Creative Impact

The Shumka Centre fosters the movement of artists and designers into systems where their work can create meaningful impact—through products, platforms, curatorial initiatives, entrepreneurial ventures and more.

Acting as a hub for creative entrepreneurship at Emily Carr University, Shumka provides community, mentorship and access to the tools needed to launch, fund and organize projects across the spectrum of contemporary art and design.

Programs + Partnerships That Power Possibility

Shumka’s programming is made possible through a range of partnerships with funders who believe in the potential of creative leadership. These include the Vancouver Foundation, Canada’s Digital Technology Supercluster, RBC Emerging Artists Project, Business + Higher Education Roundtable, InnovateBC, the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, CEWIL and the National Research Council of Canada IRAP program.

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Some Shumka Centre Projects

Design for Startups

Design for Startups pairs emerging designers with early-to-mid stage technology startups to work on a specific design problem for over 12 weeks. Design for Startups is supported by the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program. Past partners: GrowLab, HIGHLINE, InnovateBC, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Canada’s Digital Technology Supercluster and 100+ startups.

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Art Apprenticeship Network

The Art Apprenticeship Network connects emerging Emily Carr artists with established artists, curators and cultural workers to create a win-win situation for the art community locally and regionally. Art Apprenticeship Network is supported by RBC Emerging Artists Project.

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How-to Guides

Informed by Shumka programming, the How To Guides identify and share current practices, emerging models, methods and tools and also offer context and advice. Developed in partnership with Career Development and Work Integrated Learning Office, Emily Carr faculty, staff and external practitioners.

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Contact

General Email: shumka@ecuad.ca
Instagram: @ShumkaCentre

Cemre Demiralp
Project Manager
cdemiralp@ecuad.ca

Let’s work together.

Inquire

Have a project or idea in mind? We welcome inquiries from industry and community partners. Connect with us at research@ecuad.ca to explore collaborations and partnerships, or access to our researchers, technologies and emerging talent.

Access Funding

Industry partnerships with Emily Carr Research may qualify for government funding that supports innovation and research. Learn more about funding opportunities by contacting us at research@ecuad.ca.

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