Canada · Current published requirements
University of Manitoba Fine Arts written statement
Manitoba's School of Art asks BFA and Art Diploma applicants for a digital portfolio and six brief answers. The questions cover motivation, a formative art experience, what the applicant would contribute and gain, a favorite portfolio work, and relevant experience. This is a School of Art requirement, not a university-wide essay.
Writing format
Six short written answers, up to 50 words each, with a digital portfolio
What to prepare
- 1Use a different concrete example for the question about an experience that led you to art and the question about what you would contribute to the School of Art.
- 2Choose a favorite portfolio piece you can discuss in terms of decisions, materials, and what changed during its making.
- 3List education, volunteer work, and employment accurately in the final answer rather than repeating a broad personal statement.
How to approach the writing
- Draft each answer to the school's 50-word limit, then check that the six answers add up to a coherent account of your practice.
- Select up to 15 recent artworks for the portfolio and let the written answers explain choices a reviewer cannot see from images alone.
Before you submit
The program page gives the current questions and portfolio guidance, while the linked 2026–27 admissions bulletin still displays a March 1, 2026 deadline. Check the live application for the deadline for your intended intake before submitting.
Read Manitoba Fine Arts program and portfolio requirements ↗Read Manitoba Fine Arts admissions bulletin ↗Official source checked 2026-09-25.