A Vancouver post-secondary institution that has produced thousands of professionals working in creative industries has closed its doors at its Terminal Avenue campus.
The Vancouver Institute of Media Arts (VanArts) made the announcement on social media on Aug. 27, just one day before it marked its end as a private institute.
However, the school also revealed that it will live on in a new form at Vancouver Community College (VCC).
VanArts
“The VanArts name and legacy will continue,” said VanArts online. “Beginning this fall, VCC will offer VanArts’ 2D Character Animation and 3D Character Animation programs through its Continuing Studies department.
“Looking ahead, VCC will continue exploring additional programming opportunities to meet industry and learner needs.”
VanArts was founded in 1995, and grew to encompass programs ranging from Professional Photography, Web Development & Interactive Design, and Broadcasting & Online Media.
Their instructors included many internationally-known artists, including William B. Davis from The X-Files, and Wade Howie, who’s credited with creating some of the groundbreaking special effects in the original Jurassic Park and Terminator 2 films.
Graduates of the post-secondary institution have also gone on to work at companies like Atomic Cartoons and Electronic Arts.
Many VanArts alumni shared their sadness about the institution’s closure online.
VanArts
“Bummer, they had excellent classes and wonderful instructors,” shared one person.
“Sad news,” added another graduate. “I probably had the time of my life at this place, made so many good friends and learned so much. You will be missed.”
VanArts thanked everyone who was part of its journey over the past three decades.
“To everyone who has been part of VanArts over the past 31 years — students, alumni, instructors, staff, industry partners and friends — thank you.
“The VanArts campus may be closing, but the VanArts legacy continues. Make Art Your Life.”
VanArts
Several B.C. universities recently conducted layoffs of dozens of staff members due to financial pressures, including the University of the Fraser Valley and Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
Pauline Greaves, the president of the Langara Faculty Association, told Daily Hive in 2025 that whole programs in the humanities, English, and business could be lost.
Studio 58, Langara College’s professional theatre training program, announced this spring that its long-running Production Program was permanently suspended with no plans to reopen intake.