VanArts was founded in 1995 with Academy Award-winning animator/director Lee Mishkin as its program director. Two years later, VanArts added 3D Computer Animation and in July 2000 received full accreditation status from the Private Post-Secondary Education Commission of British Columbia (currently PCTIA).

VanArts has continued to expand with the growing demand for education in the media arts. Game Art, Visual Effects and Digital Photography have all become integral to the VanArts educational model. The latest curriculum expansion has been the addition of the professional acting programs that have been offered as the William Davis Centre for Actors' Study. The Centre was founded by well-known actor, director and teacher William B. Davis and has been training actors in Vancouver since 1989.

By developing a well-rounded curriculum of visual, media and performing arts, VanArts has created an educational environment that encourages collaboration between its programs of study. With a faculty and advisory council that draws directly from the relevant industries, VanArts provides its students with the foundation and mentorship necessary to launch a career. The focus is on the individual and reaching one's full potential.