PVA Media Arts 


Program Overview

PVA Media Arts offers a three-year, comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to media creation that fosters individual exploration and innovative thinking. PVA Media Arts is designed to provide students the flexibility to adapt to various situations relating to design and communication. Areas of study within the PVA MA program include: film/video Production, animation, and photography.

Through the PVA MA program, students will learn to grow and apply their strategic, creative and technical skills. They will also learn how to strategize, plan, organize and manage different aspects of development and production in these different industries. Because real world experience can be instrumental to your career success you will engage in independent productions throughout your three years as well as possible internship opportunities as they arise.

PVA MA consists of a common first year where students build the foundational skills necessary to pursue their area of interest. Beginning in the second year (grade 11), students will have an individual course plan developed based on their area of specialization. This plan will be a combination of existing courses related to their field of interest, mixed with in-depth learning experiences, which may be led by guests from the profession.


To be considered for our specialized PVA program, students are required to apply online, interview with our staff, and submit a portfolio.

The PVA application process is open for non-designated students between November 1 and March 15, each year. Students who are already designated to Central Memorial High School can apply to the PVA program at any time through the school-year, as long as there is still room in the program. Please email Learning Leader, Michelle Crimmins, for more information about the PVA Application process: mlcrimmins@cbe.ab.ca


Media Arts FAQ

  • Do I need prior formal training to apply to Central’s PVA Media Design Arts program? No. Previous training is not required to apply to our MDA program, but a portfolio that demonstrates your skills and abilities is. Please refer to our “how to apply” section for details and examples of what we look for in a portfolio.


  • Do I have to have a portfolio when I apply? Yes. A portfolio is a collection of your work that will represent you and your artistic/technical background. It will give us insight into your skill level, your potential, your creativity and your past experiences. Please refer to our “how to apply” section for more information regarding portfolio requirements.


  • When do PVA MDA students take Leadership In The Arts 35? Leadership In The Arts 35 is a five credit, self-directed course that does not run during the regular school day. Students will experience a combination of teacher-directed assignments and activities combined with student-directed or on-line projects. LITA 35 sessions usually occur outside of the regular school day for Media Design Arts students and will involve the creation of a final grade 12 portfolio. Students will learn about careers in communication and design, attend workshops, meet industry professionals, participate in community initiatives and complete all other course requirements outside the regular timetable. For PVA Media Design Arts students, this course finishes at the end of grade 12 and results in earning the CBE Fine & Performing Arts Certificate and eligibility for the grade 12 PVA trip to New York City.