At Boston University School of Visual Arts (SVA), we nurture the creative potential of every student through a balance of rigorous training and open exploration. We emphasize collaboration and dialogue alongside the focus of the studio and the freedom of choices offered by the larger university. Through our ethos, curriculum, and program offerings, SVA engages students in highly experiential learning, building expertise and experimentation through critique, process, and concept.
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The School of Visual Arts offers academic, extra-curricular, and career support for undergraduate and graduate students at all phases of their time at the College of Fine Arts. Find advising help, access equipment, and explore resources offered to all Boston University students.
SVA Stories
Read more BU School of Visual Arts students, faculty, and alumni making art and making change in the world
New 808 Gallery Exhibition Showcases Faculty, Alumni Artwork
First shown at the 2024 Venice Biennale, Hidden in the Layers, the monthlong exhibition, celebrates BU-affiliated printmakers and photographers
Creatives in Practice: Mary Y. Yang
The Assistant Professor of Art, Graphic Design at BU is the co-founder of Radical Characters, an educational and curatorial platform that explores graphic design, typography, and culture through Chinese characters
Creatives in Practice: Toni Pepe
BU's Chair of Photography and Associate Professor of Art is an artist-in-residence at the Boston Public Library’s Special Collections, where she focuses on the material life of photos and clippings that document women in the media
Beyond the Classroom: Megan Kwan (CFA’27)
As a fellow for Innovate@BU’s Enlight Summer program, painting major Megan Kwan (CFA’27) interned at the Pao Arts Center, Chinatown’s first arts and cultural center, connecting with community and her identity
Boston University College of Fine Arts Appoints Six Professors, Two Visiting Professors
From receiving MacArthur fellowships to writing for The Tonight Show, CFA’s newest faculty members capture the spirit of artistic excellence at BU
BU Art Galleries Announces Summer 2025 Exhibitions
Cross-institutional creativity and multimedia works illuminate BU Art Galleries' Faye G., Jo, and James Stone Gallery and 808 Gallery windows this summer
How I Made This: Raquel Philippe (CFA’26)
MFA Painting major Raquel Philippe paints childhood memories of home—both her own, and those of her Haitian parents.
CFA Selects Art Education Major Amira Sheikh as the 2025 CFA Convocation Student Speaker
Master of Arts in Art Education major Amira Sheikh (CFA'25) will address the Class of 2025 at CFA’s Convocation Ceremony on Saturday, May 17.
Why BU School of Visual Arts?
Guided by world-class artists and educators emphasizing skill-building and the ability to think creatively, you will hone your eye, hand, and mind at SVA.
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