Minister Anne Kang Explores Creativity and Innovation at Emily Carr University

Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU) was pleased to host the Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, the Honourable Anne Kang, on Jan. 28, 2025, for her first visit to campus since being appointed in November. During her engagement, she met with students from across the university as well as faculty, staff and leadership.

The minister saw first-hand how ECU’s practice-based learning cultivates creative, adaptable problem-solvers, supporting the advancement of BC’s creative economy, technology sector and cultural industries.

“I value the work that B.C.’s post-secondary education is doing to strengthen our economy and build community. Post-secondary education is the most reliable pathway to the middle class,” says Anne Kang, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “ECU is an engine of B.C.’s creative sector and the programs offered here are helping build B.C.’s workforce now and into the future. I look forward to seeing these future leaders thrive and be changemakers not only here in B.C., but across the world.”

ECU President + Vice-Chancellor Trish Kelly greeted Minister Kang upon her arrival, and they met for an initial discussion about some of the specialties that make ECU the #1 art and design university in Canada and a top institution globally.

“At ECU, we are dedicated to nurturing our students’ creativity, innovation and research capabilities," says President Trish Kelly. “Our goal is not only to help students develop their skills but also to empower them to become the next generation of artists, designers and changemakers, contributing to the local and global art and design ecosystems.”

Members of the Emily Carr Students’ Union (ECSU); representatives of the Faculty Association and CUPE Local 15 met with Minister Kang in an effort to engage with all aspects of the university. Through these meetings, the ECU representatives were able to share a variety of diverse perspectives with the Minister including inspiration for the university’s growth and visions for success as we approach our centennial year.

President + Vice-Chancellor Trish Kelly, Interim Vice-President Academic + Provost Diyan Achjadi and Associate Vice-President (AVP) of Research + Dean of Graduate Studies Justin Langlois led Minister Kang on an illuminating campus tour. In our Material Matters Lab, the Minister had the chance to witness cutting-edge approaches to design, research, wearable technology and textiles that let students express their creativity in new, unique ways.

As part of our research department, Health Design Lab (HDL) team members including coordinator Otilia Spantulescu, spoke about locally impacting collaborative projects with Vancouver Coastal Health, St Paul’s Hospital and Providence Healthcare, as well as the hands-on learning opportunities they provide to students through these partnerships.

The tour group made a quick stop at our Printmaking Studio, which was filled with students working on a variety of projects using various media.

At the Aboriginal Gathering Place, staff members shared their work and the importance of providing access and culturally appropriate assistance for Indigenous students, faculty and staff. They showcased legacy and ongoing artwork that demonstrated the AGP’s impact on the university and the connections they’ve made with the community.