Plan your summer break with Teen Programs at Emily Carr University Continuing Studies. 

ECU’s Teen Programs offer engaging and accessible art, media and design studios for creative  youth aged 12-18. Taught by award-winning artists and designers, they provide excellent  preparation for post-secondary education and future careers. 

Students get hands-on access to Emily Carr’s unique studios, equipment and community. Along  with in-person courses, ECU offers flexible and accessible online courses for distant learners as  well. 

ECU’s wide range of programs including the two-week-long Junior Art Institute, focusing on  foundational skills. Or enroll in the rigorous month-long Summer Institute for Teens to prepare  for university applications.

Emily Carr Summer Teen Art Programs

Junior Art Intensive

The Junior Art Institute (JAI) teaches all the most important basics. The program focuses on skill development and the creative process. It also helps prepare younger students for the Summer  Institute for Teens. 

Over two weeks, students explore 2D and 3D art-making. They complete a variety of projects in  drawing, painting, animation and soft sculpture. The programs culminate with a public exhibition  of student work. 

“I appreciated how welcoming, inclusive, and how kindly we were treated. We were given the chance to create well, being given helpful critiques and ideas on how to fix things. We had open conversations and incredible help with our art.” – JAI Student 

The JAI finishes with a professionally installed exhibition. This show spotlights students’ learning  and development during their time in the program. It also signals ECU’s dedication to supporting  art and design education for youth.

Dive in and experience what full-time creative learning is like.

The Summer Institute for Teens (SIT) is a rigorous pre-university program. Over one-month,  professional artists teach students how to build their portfolios. SIT empowers the next  generation of artists and designers to prepare for their creative careers. 

Students receive training in various disciplines, from painting to game design. Students develop  technical skills while they explore visionary new forms of expression. 

Four weeks of in-depth work help students make rich connections. Peers and instructors  collaborate and visit each other’s studios for deep discussions.

“[I most enjoyed] the art environment with peers who are passionate about the same thing and  the…hands-on learning. I also enjoyed how the instructor would guide us and give us tips while  we were painting.” – SIT Student

Whether you live in Vancouver or abroad, there are learning options to fit your life. You can  choose in-person instruction at Emily Carr’s state-of-the-art campus. We also offer the flexibility  of online learning. This means our programs are accessible for teens everywhere. 

The 2023 Emily Carr Summer Teen Art Programs brought together 150+ talented young artists and designers to exhibit at ECU.  The wide range of expressive, inspiring and experimental works thrilled visitors. The show  included everything from paintings to illustrations to architectural models. More than 400 in person visitors supported and celebrated this milestone on opening day. 

“I really loved being with artists around my age. Also, I enjoyed the creative energy and environment of Emily Carr University.” – SIT Student

Plan your vacation break in advance. Check out the upcoming Junior Art Institute and Summer Institute for Teens today!

This post is sponsored by Emily Carr University Art + Design