SPAO houses the only two-year photographic arts college in Canada, numerous evening and weekend part-time classes, a unique international artist residency and the only critical and independent gallery in the region dedicated to lens-based art. 

SPAO prides itself on small class sizes, individualized hands-on learning, and rare access to a variety of techniques and photographic processes. SPAO draws on traditional, historic and alternative processes alongside and contemporary photographic technologies for both our two-year College Diploma Program and our Part-Time Studies stream. Educational opportunities are available to novice and advanced students alike, with an incredibly diverse group of students and community members. We place special emphasis on advancing individual style, on conceptual development, and on the acquisition of knowledge about photographic theory and history.