Unleash your creativity this summer.
Immersive and foundational learning for youth ages 13-18.
Our summer programs in art, design and media taught by expert instructors empower youth with an opportunity to discover new artistic passions, develop their portfolio, and enjoy the break alongside their peers.
Registration is open for summer 2025!
Junior Art Institute (JAI)
AGES 13-15
Whether you’re new to art and design or have a goal of attending art school, JAI is a two-week program that builds foundational knowledge, explores a wide range of creative skills, and helps prepare you for the Summer Institute for Teens.
Choose from 2D and 3D artmaking, drawing, painting, animation, and soft sculpture, and culminate your experience with a public exhibition of your work in Emily Carr’s Michael O’Brian Exhibition Commons.
“I absolutely loved this course, it was really well planned, first covering the basics and then being given the opportunity to apply them in either a collaborative or individual project. Sharing everyone’s work at the end of the day was extremely helpful, I learned a lot from the constructive criticism given to both me and others. Thank you!”
Summer Institute for Teens (SIT)
AGES 16-18
SIT is an immersive month-long portfolio prep program providing unique, hands-on learning experiences to young creatives. Each course is developed by ECU’s team of expert educators and creative practitioners, carefully curated to cater to a range of learning styles
Whether you’re new to art and design or are fast-tracking to your dream art school, you’ll be immersed in a vibrant learning environment where your thoughts and ideas are valued and taken seriously.
Through painting, illustration, animation or experience design, you’ll be exposed to new perspectives, mediums and methods that will challenge conventional ways of thinking and broaden your creative horizons.
The program culminates with a public exhibition and celebration of your work in Emily Carr’s Michael O’Brian Exhibition Commons.
“I absolutely loved this course, it was really well planned, first covering the basics and then being given the opportunity to apply them in either a collaborative or individual project. Sharing everyone’s work at the end of the day was extremely helpful, I learned a lot from the constructive criticism given to both me and others!”
Participate in a Final Exhibition
At the end of the Summer Teen Programs, students curate a final exhibition that represents the culmination of their artistic journey. More than just showcasing their work, it highlights the collaboration, experimentation and skill-building that students have fully embraced.
The exhibition showcases the works of 200 talented students from diverse disciplines, including illustration, painting, animation, drawing, graphic design, industrial design and experience design.
Student Showcase
Community and Campus
The Summer Teen Programs are beyond an educational experience—students get a taste of campus life and take part of a dynamic and supportive creative community.
Our campus, located in the heart of Vancouver, offers access to state-of-the-art facilities, including studios, equipment, and collaborative spaces, ensuring that you have the resources to fully develop your creative practice.
News
ECU Summer Teen Programs and Exhibition Inspires Creativity in Young Students
This year, teen students co-curated the stunning student exhibition 'Reverie'.
Go Behind the Scenes at the 2024 Teen Programs Exhibition!
'Reverie' reflects student conversations about their hopes and dreams for the future, being lost in thought, daydreaming, wandering, and allowing imaginations to flourish.
Teen Program Graduates Prepare for Their Foundation Show Debut
Undergraduate students Gurjap Sidhu and Gloria Wong reflect on their teen program experiences at ECU.