- When are AGA School Programs offered?
- How many chaperones are needed for our AGA visit and what will be expected of them?
- Is the number of students I bring regulated? What if my class exceeds 30 students?
- How much will our program cost?
- When should I book a School Program?
- What are the main Alberta Education Programs of Study connections within AGA school programs?
- Who delivers the school programs?
- What is the basic format of the school programs?
- Will a general visit of all the current AGA exhibitions be included within our tour?
- What kinds of services do you offer for special needs students?
- Is there nudity in the exhibitions?
- What do I have to do to book a school program?
- How can I change or cancel a school program I have already booked?
- What can I do to prepare my class for our visit at the AGA?
- What can I do to prepare the chaperones for their role at the gallery?
- How can I obtain Teacher Resources?
- What should my students bring?
- What objects are prohibited within the gallery spaces?
- Is drawing permitted in the gallery spaces?
- Can I (the teacher) give my students a guided tour?
- Are lunch facilities available at the AGA?
- What if I want more information or would like to speak to someone about my tour?
- How do we get to the Art Gallery of Alberta?
- Is there parking at the AGA? Where should the bus drop us off?
- What entrance should school groups use?
- Is there a secure place we can store our bags, cell phones, cameras, umbrellas, food or water bottles?
Planning Ahead
When are AGA School Programs offered?
The 2010/2011 AGA School Programs are offered from September 14-June 24. Programs are offered Tuesday to Friday and are also available on weekends upon request. All programs are connected to current exhibitions, which are temporary and change periodically. Please plan ahead if there is a specific exhibition you would like to see during your school visit.
More information about current and upcoming exhibitions.
How many chaperones are needed for our AGA visit and what will be expected of them?
As a general guideline, the AGA recommends bringing one adult for every six students in Elementary school (in addition to the classroom teacher) and one adult for every ten students in junior high or high school. The adult volunteers will be responsible for student supervision and ensuring that the students follow the Gallery Expectations. For studio programs, adult volunteers may also be asked to help with studio tasks.
Click here for more information about chaperone expectations.
Is the number of students I bring regulated? What if my class exceeds 30 students?
Generally, School Programs are planned to accommodate an average of 30 students per class. Programs are scheduled to accommodate more than one class at a time and therefore Teachers and Schools are encouraged to bring multiple classes to the AGA. In the Gallery, classes are broken into smaller groups (usually groups of 10) and therefore larger classes (over 30) are easy to accommodate. In the studio, space is limited so classes should not exceed 30 students.
How much will our program cost?
AGA School Programs are priced and booked on a per class basis. Program costs reflect the cost of gallery admission, staffing and program materials. All costs are calculated before GST.
90 minute Interactive Gallery Visits
Class up to 10 students: $80
Class up to 20 students: $120
Class up to 30 students: $160
Larger or multiple classes can be booked as a combination of the above prices.
2 Hour Studio Project
Class up to 30 students: $180
Studio Projects have a static price due to the fixed costs of running a program.
Full Day Experience
Class up to 20 students: $280
Class up to 30 students: $320
Art Apprenticeship Program
Class up to 30 students: $960
When should I book a School Program?
All programs must be booked at least two weeks in advance. Please note that programs fill fast during the school year so it is best to book early. School programs booking for 2010/2011 is available now. Click here to fill in an online request form.
What to Expect
What are the main Alberta Education Programs of Study connections within AGA school programs?
AGA School Programs connect to many areas of the Programs of Study including Fine Arts, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science and French. For more detailed descriptions of program connections to Alberta Education Programs of Study objectives, visit the School Programs Information page.
Who delivers the school programs?
Our highly experienced and knowledgeable AGA Educators lead the school programs. Educators have a diverse range of background experiences in both art-making and teaching.
Click here for more detailed information about our educators.
What is the basic format of the school programs?
- An Interactive Gallery Visit begins with an introduction to the institution and the chosen theme. Students visit and discuss thematically linked artworks while participating in hands-on activities during their 90 minute visit.
- A Studio Program begins with an introduction to the institution and the chosen theme and a brief art encounter with current exhibitions before students create an art project in the studio.
- A Full Day Experience combines an interactive Gallery Visit and a Studio program for a dynamic full-day learning opportunity. Students will have the opportunity to connect with current exhibitions through close looking in the gallery and then exercise their creativity in the studio. You can create your own combination or choose from our recommended combinations for your day at the AGA! To learn more, click here.
- The three-day Art Apprenticeship Program includes a variety of Gallery visits and studio projects that explore different themes and concepts depending on your grade level and class. Each day students visit Gallery exhibitions for explorations and hands-on activities in the morning and work in the studio with a variety of art projects in the afternoon. To learn more, click here.
Will a general visit of all the current AGA exhibitions be included within our tour?
Whether you book an Interactive Gallery Visit or a Studio Project, your class will have an opportunity to visit current Gallery exhibitions. General information about the AGA and the building is included in each thematic Interactive Gallery Visit and Educators can answer any additional questions that are not focused on during the tour. Studio Projects include a brief Gallery visit to explore work that connects specifically to the Project. Teachers are welcome to explore the gallery with their students independently if time allows.
What kinds of services do you offer for special needs students?
The AGA facilities are equipped to welcome all guests and Educators are trained to differentiate instruction for all students. The AGA is wheelchair accessible and has wheelchairs if needed, available on a first-come, first-served basis at the main level Guest Services Desk. Students in wheelchairs can enter, with their class, through the main entrance using the ramp. For specific comments or questions concerning students with special needs please let us know when booking your School Program.
Is there nudity in the exhibitions?
In many exhibitions, especially those with historical content, the theme of the nude may be part of the artwork. The nude is not a focus in School Programs and if there is any graphic nudity, these spaces are avoided in our School Programs. Teacher will be made aware if there is a lot of nudity in any exhibitions and ALL teachers are encouraged to preview the exhibitions if they have any concerns.
Booking a Program
What do I have to do to book a school program?
After you have decided on a program, fill in the Online Request Form to make a School Program Request. Note that this is only a request and does not guarantee a program at the requested time. Once you have booked, you will receive an email from the Education Business Manager, confirming your time or suggesting new dates and times.
Click here to fill in the School Program Request form.
How can I change or cancel a school program I have already booked?
To change a program, or for more information, please contact the Education Business Manager at nicole.reeves@youraga.ca
Program Preparation
What can I do to prepare my class for our visit at the AGA?
Make the most of your visit to the Gallery by preparing your students for what they will see and talk about. Ensure that students understand the behaviour that is expected of them. For ideas regarding pre-visit activities and information click here.
What can I do to prepare the chaperones for their role at the gallery?
Ensure that all group supervisors are aware that their role is to support the students’ learning. They can do this by:
- Setting a good example and following the Gallery expectations
- Allowing Gallery staff to lead the program without interruption
- Supervising children and ensuring that the group stays together
For more information on the role and responsibilities of chaperones, click here.
How can I obtain Teacher Resources?
For teacher resources, click here.
What should my students bring?
Students are not required to bring any classroom supplies with them, as pencils and sketch-boards and paper are provided. All studio materials are included in the Studio Projects as well. Sketchbooks are always welcome, but not necessary.
For Full Day Experiences, students should bring a bagged lunch and a refillable water container. There are no water fountains at the AGA. Students should also bring an open mind and a positive attitude!
What objects are prohibited within the gallery spaces?
Large bags and backpacks, cell phones, cameras, umbrellas, food, and drinks, are not permitted in the Gallery spaces. Read all of our Gallery expectations.
Is drawing permitted in the gallery spaces?
Not only is drawing allowed in gallery spaces, but it is highly encouraged. Students will be given a sketch-board for their visit to the gallery, and they will be expected to participate in sketching activities.
Can I (the teacher) give my students a guided tour?
All programs include Gallery admission for your groups. If you would like to remain after your program with your students, please confirm upon booking your program with the Education Business Manager. Self-Guided visits are subject to capacity and can only be booked with a School Program. A Teacher Guide with information about the AGA and the Building can be found here.
Are lunch facilities available at the AGA?
The AGA has some lunch facilities that must be booked ahead for use. These facilities are located in the studios and Theatre lobby and are free of charge. All Full Day Experiences and Art Apprenticeship Programs include use of the lunch facilities automatically. In addition to our lunch facilities, there are several places surrounding the AGA including Sir Winston Churchill Square and City Hall that can be used to eat lunch, weather permitting.
What if I want more information or would like to speak to someone about my tour?
For information about School Program objectives and content, please contact the Education Programs Manager at jessie.beier@youraga.ca. For information about prices, bookings or general inquiries contact please contact the Education Business Manager at nicole.reeves@youraga.ca.
Arriving at the Gallery
How do we get to the Art Gallery of Alberta?
The AGA is located at 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton, AB. For directions to the AGA, please click here.
Is there parking at the AGA? Where should the bus drop us off?
Busses can stop and unload students in the loading zones located on either side of the AGA front entrance on 102A Ave or 99 Street.
What entrance should school groups use?
All School groups can enter through the Front Entrance located on the corner of 102A Avenue and 99 Street (facing Sir Winston Churchill Square). Upon entering the AGA, please move your group into the atrium to avoid blocking the doors. The lead teacher can then approach the Guest Services Desk to let them know your group has arrived. A Gallery Educator will meet you and bring your group to the Education wing.
Is there a secure place we can store our bags, cell phones, cameras, umbrellas, food or water bottles?
School Programs begin in the Singhmar Centre for Art Education located on the Lower Level of the AGA. The Centre has studio spaces and coat rooms where all personal belongings can be left. Although these spaces are secure, patrons are encouraged to leave all valuables at school or at home.
After Your Visit
What follow up activities do you recommend?
For a list and description of follow up activities click here.
How can I get involved with the AGA?
There are many ways to become involved with the AGA. You can support the AGA by becoming a member or volunteer.
