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iArts (Integrated Arts) I

Overview

The iArts BFA is a Level I, direct entry program that emphasizes interdisciplinary creative practice as a collective mode of learning, preparing students for professional careers in the arts. You will have the opportunity to engage with a range of hands-on media and techniques in art and performance, while also learning about the histories and critical contexts of art and performance locally, nationally and internationally. 

Expandable List

  • iArts is a unique integrated arts degree that invites students to direct their path including: acting, painting/drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, devising plays, researching cultural and critical histories, creating videos and more.
  • iArts is committed to issues of social justice, equity and diversity in the arts and society.
  • iArts believes in environmentally-responsible studio practices and is the only program in Canada to declare a commitment to this initiative.
  • iArts faculty members are practicing cultural producers and pride themselves on teaching both the creative and entrepreneurial skills needed for a career in the arts.

The McMaster Museum of Art (MMA)

  • The MMA houses one of the best university art collections anywhere in the country. The museum is a fantastic on-campus resource for artists and art lovers, allowing students to examine first-hand internationally-acclaimed historic and contemporary artworks.

Lyons Family Studio

The Lyons Family Studio supports presentation, experimentation and research within the Centre for Networked Media and Performance, Communication Studies and Media Arts (CSMA) undergraduate and graduate presentations, and the School of the Arts theatrical performances. This black box style theater space has advanced lighting, digital sound and projection capabilities. The flexibility of the space allows for a range of seating configurations and capacity.

Other Facilities

Our facilities also include:

  • Print studio focusing on sustainable practice
  • Bronze and aluminum casting foundry
  • Wood and metal shops
  • Ceramics studio
  • Painting and drawing studios
  • Professional gallery setting for student critiques
  • Student and community gallery for public exhibitions
  • Performance Lab
  • Black box theatre
  • Film screening classrooms

Program highlights

Artists-in-Residence Program

Connects students with high-calibre artists

Curator-in-Residence Program

Mentor students on curatorial practices and teaches collaboratively in our Certificate in Critical Curatorial Studies.

50+ city cultural institutions

Accommodate the flourishing arts scene in Hamilton

Classes & Exhibition / Performance Opportunities

What you’ll take:

First-year required courses:

  • IARTS 1BD3 – 2D Practices in Art 
  • IARTS 1CR3 – Acting: Body and Voice 
  • IARTS 1MA3 – Making Art 1 
  • IARTS 1RP3 – Project Production 1 
  • IARTS 1SD3 – Stage Design 
  • IARTS 1SS3 – 3D Practices in Art 
  • MEDIAART 1A03 – Media Arts 

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (iArts) program gives students exceptional opportunities to explore and develop their creative talents. As a single honours degree with its own direct-entry first-year program, this option allows them to focus on creative production throughout their university careers. Upper-level iArts courses give students in-depth knowledge of numerous areas of study: printmaking, acting, devising, drawing, cultural histories, film studies, video production, contemporary art histories, curatorial studies, sculpture, painting, mixed-media, installation, and ceramics/foundry, which along with major capstone courses, allow students to build a significant body of work. 

Upper-level independent iArts courses help our students form personal, cohesive bodies of work that lead to a final degree exhibition and/or public performance. Students work with professional curators and production teams to present an interdisciplinary festival of the arts, exhibitions, and public performances in the main space of the McMaster Museum of Art, and the brand new Lyons Family Studio.

For a full list of courses that can be available in this program, please consult the academic calendar.

Admissions