3 art colleges influencing change through creative innovation

Art colleges are fertile grounds for creative thinkers to learn how to shape the world through innovative, boundary-pushing ideas. This is where they learn how to expand their influence beyond the canvas and create an impact on technology, society, and culture.

Notable alumni from such institutions have changed the world. For example, Apple’s co-founder Steve Jobs credited the design principles he learned at university, notably calligraphy, for inspiring the aesthetics of Apple products. The works of film director George Lucas, a cinematic arts graduate, transformed motion pictures as we know them through forward-thinking special effects. 

Today, art colleges continue to nurture a new generation of visionaries who challenge conventions and drive change. Their impact ripples across industries, proving that creative innovation from these institutions shapes our world in ways we cannot even imagine yet. Here are three such art colleges that cultivate this ethos of creative innovation and have left an indelible mark on the world:

Cleveland Institute of Art

Founded in 1882, the Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) has built a legacy of producing graduates competitive as studio artists, designers, photographers, contemporary craftsmen, and educators.

CIA is home to 600 students who thrive in the vibrant University Circle, a cultural epicentre lauded by Forbes Magazine. Here, they benefit from the college’s specialised curriculum and immerse themselves in a landscape teeming with artistic marvels. University Circle, shared with esteemed institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and Cleveland Orchestra, provides a unique ecosystem for aspiring artists to draw inspiration and collaborate across various creative domains.

CIA offers 13 majors spanning fine arts, design, craft, and entertainment arts, accredited by prestigious bodies, including the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Boasting a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, the college has a close-knit learning environment with a dedicated faculty comprising 50 full-time and 70 adjunct professionals, each a luminary in their respective fields.

With programmes like Industrial Design, Interior Architecture, Jewellery and Metals, and Game Design, CIA cultivates the imagination and skill set necessary to push the boundaries of traditional art forms. What’s more, these programmes prioritise real-world experiences, offering students opportunities to work on live projects with external partners or clients before graduation. They can apply classroom knowledge professionally, boosting confidence and preparing them for successful careers.

For example, Industrial Design majors collaborate with diverse groups, including students from other programmes, colleges, businesses, and international companies, to tackle real-world challenges. The annual Spring Design Show provides a platform to exhibit work, refine skills, gain industry exposure, and connect with professional designers as well.

The best part? All CIA students get personal studio space from sophomore year until graduation to work on their crafts — a rarity among art schools. Click here to learn more about the Cleveland Institute of Art.

Alberta University of the Arts

For nearly a century, Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) has been a beacon for artistic innovation and creative exploration. Founded in 1926, this institution has emerged as one of Canada’s foremost hubs for budding artists and designers, setting the stage for transformative change in visual culture.

Here, the spirit of innovation thrives. Boasting award-winning faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, the institution lets students explore their artistic endeavours. As the institution transitioned from Alberta College Art + Design (ACAD) to AUArts, it continues to empower students, offering diverse degree programmes spanning various disciplines. Among the programmes available here are Animation, Fibre, Object Design, Ceramics, Painting, Drawing, Media Arts and more. 

What sets AUArts apart is not just its academic prowess but its commitment to providing a personalised and enriching experience. With a commendable student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, students benefit from close mentorship by acclaimed artists and designers. Pair that with the university’s expansive art facilities and individual studio spaces, and you’ll have an ideal setting for aspiring artists to refine their craft while being mentored by skilled professionals.

That’s not all. AUArts also hosts a vibrant visiting artist programme, bringing global creative minds to inspire and guide students. 

Located in Calgary, a city brimming with vibrancy against a backdrop of stunning natural landscapes, AUArts offers not only a place of learning but a dynamic environment where creativity thrives. Just ask Natasha Alphonse, a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Drawing) graduate.

“I think that’s an amazing place to be,” Alphonse says. “It’s just such a different way of being and existing. Everyone’s talking about art, you’re making art, you’re being critical about it, and it makes your brain think about the world differently.”

Pacific Northwest College of Arts

In the heart of Portland’s vibrant cultural landscape lies the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA), a powerhouse shaping the future of creativity and societal transformation. Established in 1909, PNCA sparks curiosity and sharpens skills so students can build creative careers anchored in innovation, justice and civic imagination.

At PNCA, artistic exploration extends beyond the confines of studios and galleries but also in community spaces, startups, and even the public sphere. Students are nurtured in their artistic disciplines and encouraged to intertwine art and design with science, business, and social justice.

The institution’s diverse Bachelor of Fine Art degrees, ranging from Animated Arts to Illustration, serve as a testament to PNCA’s commitment to interdisciplinary education. Here, walls aren’t the only canvases — student art fills every nook and cranny, infusing the entire space with creative expression.

What sets PNCA apart is its culture of exploration and collaboration. Departments aren’t siloed; instead, they intermingle, producing an environment where painters sculpt, designers create films, and illustrators develop apps. The faculty, comprised of practising artists and designers, facilitates small class sizes that allow personalised attention and guidance.

The facilities at PNCA, including Print Studio, Creative Technology Lab and more, are a playground for innovation, boasting state-of-the-art labs and tools to facilitate the production of any artistic endeavour. But it’s not just about physical resources — academic coaches and writing specialists stand ready to support students through workshops, drop-in writing assistance, and tailored strategies for intellectual growth.

 *Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International