SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre is an independent, not-for-profit Ottawa institution housing a registered photographic arts college diploma program.
The SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre is an independent, charitable, not-for-profit photographic visual arts institution. Its vision is to be an internationally recognized photographic "school of thought." SPAO cultivates an inclusive community of distinct artistic vision, critical dialogue and technical expertise through exhibition, partnerships and education.
The school was founded when instructor Michael Tardioli and a group of dedicated students pursued the idea of an organization offering an alternative to traditional photographic arts education. Khalia Scott joined Tardioli as founding Co-Director, serving 2005-2012. For 12 years, SPAO was located at 168 Dalhousie Street in the Byward Market. In 2016 Executive Director Jonathan Hobin spearheaded construction of a new purpose-built facility in Ottawa's Little Italy, completed in fall 2018 with the establishment of the SPAO Centre Gallery. The School of the Photographic Arts: Ottawa evolved and expanded into the SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre in 2017.
SPAO houses the only 2-year photographic arts college diploma program in Canada, alongside a selection of recreational classes. It also offers a unique 6-month international artist residency, and it is the only critical and independent gallery in the region dedicated to lens-based art.
Facilities listed include the Media Lab, SPAO Studio, a Library with a photobook collection, SPAO Darkroom, Photo-Synthesis Garden, and studio and lecture space/gallery. The college is located at 77 Pamilla Street, Ottawa, ON, K1S 3K7.
Applicants may gain admission through standard admission with a high school diploma, through the Wonderlic test admission option, or through an application with interview.