About iArts (Integrated Arts)
About iArts (Integrated Arts)
The BFA in iArts (Integrated Arts) is a direct entry program providing interdisciplinary skills in art, performance, histories of the arts, theory and research, grounded in social justice.
Program 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.
With a focus on student-directed learning, the BFA allows you to pursue your own interests and develop skill sets to support your personal, artistic expression. You will also have many opportunities to work collaboratively and expand beyond traditional arts practice to engage with one another and with the University and community at large.
Accessibility
Our studios are well lit, partially accessible, there are accessible washrooms with room for a full turn around, and a large elevator. Classrooms on campus are partially accessible, some are fully accessible and some have raked stairs. Deaf students can access ASL and CART. Our classrooms and studios are well lit and spacious with room to move around.
iArts (Integrated Arts) BA option
We also offer a BA in iArts (Integrated Arts) with entry in your second year of study.
- 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.
First-year required courses:
- Perspectives A: Arts in Society: Social Constructions of Class, Race and Gender (iARTS 1PA3)
- Perspectives B: Arts in Society: Technology and the Environment (iARTS 1PB3)
- Project Development 1 (iARTS 1RR3)
- Project Production 1 (iARTS 1RP3)
9 units from the list below:
- Introduction to Histories of the Arts (iARTS 1HA3)
- 2D Practices in Art (iARTS 1BD3)
- Acting and Performance: Self, Society and Change(iARTS 1CR3)
- Designing for Performance: Perspectives and Possible Worlds (iARTS 1TO3)
- 3D Practices in Art(iARTS 1SS3)
9 units of electives chosen from courses offered by the Faculty of Humanities or other faculties.
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 Black Box Theatre.
Students intending to study iArts at McMaster, must meet the general entrance requirements to the Faculty of Humanities and qualify through the Creative Submission selection process. All applicants are required to submit an Electronic Creative Submissions through SlideRoom. A creative submission package is a compilation of creative work and/or practice that an applicant has done either in school, at home, or possibly in the community. A Creative Submission package is similar to a portfolio or audition reel but can feature work from a range of disciplines.
Want to learn more about iArts (Integrated Arts) materials fees, ensembles fee for non-enrolled students, or music lesson fees? Visit this information guide on tuition and select ‘Humanities.’
Programs (by Degree) and Minors
Program Information
Current Course Offerings
View our currently available courses.
iArts Program Course Calendar
The course calendar is an essential resource for choosing your courses.
Undergraduate Course Outlines
View your course outline including assignment due dates, assessments and more.
Awards & Scholarships
Hundreds of awards and scholarships are available. Discover awards and find out how to apply.
Study Abroad
Increase your global awareness and obtain credit towards your McMaster degree?
The small size of the Studio Art program at McMaster helped me to form close collaborative relationships with my professors, which is something that I have always carried with me.
The programs I chose and the opportunities that came with them fuelled my curiosity, sharpened my critical thinking skills, and broadened my worldview.
It was incredible that in my program we had professors who were at the top of their respective fields. They were all so passionate about what they taught and that passion became contagious
Program Life
Artists-in-Residence
Learn about our Artists-in-Residence program.
Community Partners
The School of the Arts enjoys collaborations with several campus and community partners.
McMaster Museum of Art
Visit and explore our permanent collection of more than 6000 pieces.
Events
The School of the Arts hosts dozens of events each academic year including concerts, art shows, talks and performances.
Facilities
Black Box Theatre
Our Black Box theatre is the ideal space for imaginative theatrical and multimedia performances.
Fitzhenry Studio & Atrium
The Dr. Robert and Andrée Rhéaume Fitzhenry Studios and Atrium is over 1,700 sq. ft. of art creation and presentation space.
Concert Hall
Our beautiful two-storey concert hall is a venue for live music and performance, guest lectures and celebrations.
Find a Humanities Expert
Research-focused and student-centered. Humanities researchers promote interdisciplinary approaches to local and global leadership. Learn more about our researchers by searching by name or keyword.