School of Art

School of Art Visiting Speakers Series

The School of Art’s Visiting Speakers Series brings leading voices in contemporary art, criticism, and design to our community. Each speaker offers a unique perspective on the pressing questions shaping today’s creative landscape. A cornerstone of the student experience, the series pairs public presentations with hands-on workshops, demos, lectures, and more. Many speakers also engage directly with students in small groups or one-on-one studio settings–offering critique, conversation, and insight shaped by their individual practices.

Upcoming speakers Call for proposals
An artist gives a talk in a darkened lecture room with a projected slide reading “Jade Yumang, School of Art Gallery, University of Manitoba.”

School of Art Visiting Speakers Series

Upcoming speakers

There are currently no upcoming events scheduled. Please check back soon for updates.

Past speakers

A partial list highlighting recent guests who have shared their work, research, and perspectives through talks, panels, and public programs.

  • Allan Antliff

    Grant Arnold

    Sébastien Aubin

    David Batchelor

    Rebecca Belmore

    Max Becher & Andrea Robbins

    Ron Bechet

    Eli Bornstein

    Hank Bull

    Marcos Chin

    Grace Deveney

    Stan Douglas

    Steven Duval

    Robert Enright

    Sjarel Ex

    Andy Fabo

    Geoffrey Farmer

    Jonathan S. Green

    Laura Grier

    Dr. Sari Hannila

    Terry Hildebrand

    Tehching Hsieh

    Robert Houle

    Jaimie Isaac

    Aisha John

    Sarah Anne Johnson

    Anthony Kiendl

    Dr. Juliana Espana Keller

    Rodney LaTourelle & Louise Witthoefft

    Rain LeGrande

    Elizabeth Legge

    Frank Lisciandro

    Shelley Niro

    Ken Lum

    Myfanwy Macleod

    Martina Lantin

    Madelyn Gowler

    Ry Moran

    Kristin Nelson

    Sarah Pupo

    Jeanne Randolph

    Carolee Schneemann

    Meera Sethi

    Jen Sonnenberg

    Elder Carl Stone

    Reva Stone

    Ian Wallace

    Lidwien van de Ven

    Bik Van der Pol

    Haegue Yang

Call for proposals

Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to propose speakers during open calls based on their interests and areas of inquiry. Many events in the series are also open to the general public, fostering broader dialogue across communities.

Who can apply?

All current School of Art undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, instructors, and staff are encouraged to submit proposals. Students may submit proposals individually or in groups. Groups submitting proposals should choose a contact person meeting one of these criteria. 

Who can I invite?

The committee welcomes proposals to invite practitioners, experts, and Elders in fields of visual art, design and other creative disciplines. These can include local, national, and international artists, designers, craftspeople, commercial artists, art historians, critics, curators, and arts administrators. We encourage applications for visiting artists who identify within BIPOC communities.

Applicants are not required to contact visitors they are proposing, however, it is encouraged that you confirm availability and interest. If applicants are unsure of how to approach potential visitors, please reach out to the email address below.

How do I submit a proposal?

Calls for proposals are released a few times each year—watch for announcements in your inbox, on our website, and social media.

Please submit proposals and direct any questions to: SoAVisitingArtistCommittee@umanitoba.ca

Note: All proposals are subject to approval by the Visiting Artist Committee.


Application form:
Visiting Speaker Proposal Form (PDF)

In addition to the Visiting Speakers Series, the School of Art Graduate Program and the School of Art Gallery host over 25 additional speakers each year. These events include artist talks, panel discussions, research presentations, studio visits, and public lectures that further enrich the academic and creative community.