Vancouver Institute of Media Arts (VanArts)

VanArts (Vancouver Institute of Media Arts) came into being in 1995 and its first program director was the Academy Award winner Lee Mishkin. VanArts added 3D Computer Animation in the summer of 2000 – a short 2 years later. At this time, they received full accreditation status from the Private Post-Secondary Education Commission of British Columbia (currently PCTIA).

There is a demand that is growing for media arts education, causing further expansion of VanArts. The VanArts educational model includes Digital Photography, Visual Effects, and Game Art & Design. The most recent program growth has been in the area of professional acting curricula, which are available as the William Davis Centre for Actors' Study. William B. Davis, a director, actor, and teacher that is renowned, founded the Centre, and since 1989, has been training people to be actors in Vancouver.

The educational environment at VanArts is very encouraging to collaborative study between programs. They present a full curriculum of performing arts, media, and visual skills. With a faculty and advisory council that come straight from the target industries, VanArts gives its students the firm base and mentorship needed to embark upon a career. They focus on helping each student realize their full potential.

A variety of part-time and full-time courses that are taught by instructors that are professional are offered by VanArts. Game Art and Design, Animation, Acting, Visual Effects, and Photography are included in the core areas of subjects.