The future is bright for Metro Vancouver arts graduates.
And next week, a Coquitlam high school known for its arts programs will show Grade 11 and 12 students in School District 43 how to be a part of the growing creative sector.
Jodey Udell, the information technology department head at Gleneagle secondary, is co-organizing the district's third annual media, film and visual arts post-secondary night on Dec. 10, giving students - and their parents - a chance to learn more about what's out there.
Last year, more than 100 students from the Tri-Cities, Burnaby, New Westminster and Maple Ridge took part in the information session. And Udell said he heard many success stories, including one from a student who wanted to major in animation at Capilano University but switched to Emily Carr University of Art and Design after hearing its pitch.
"Sometimes, what they see and get from the presentations is enough for them to make up their minds and commit to a school," Udell said, adding, "The arts is a passion and you can continue it being a passion for the rest of your life."
Parents can also hear about what's happening so they can sit down with their teen afterward and break down the costs to attend a specific institution.
Participants can attend up to three 30-minute presentations plus a drop-in session in the last half hour. Among the 15 schools taking part are public institutions Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langara College, SFU and Thompson Rivers University, plus the private the Art Institute of Vancouver and Vancouver Film School.
Udell said colleges and universities often send their representatives to high schools to recruit but "the difference is, with ours, it's geared to the arts."
The media, film and visual arts post-secondary night is on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. at Gleneagle secondary school (1195 Lansdowne Dr., Coquitlam, parking entrance off Glen Drive). Admission is free and no reservations are required.
@jwarrenTC
