Africa is home to a rich array of art schools that play a vital role in nurturing creativity and innovation on the continent. These institutions offer a variety of training in visual arts, design, architecture and performing arts, contributing to the promotion of contemporary art and the preservation of cultural traditions. Artists trained at these schools often emerge as influential figures on the global art scene, shaping the cultural landscape of Africa and beyond.
South Africa 🇿🇦
Michaelis School of Fine Art, © Mpaskevi via Wikipedia
- Wits School of Arts - Johannesburg
Wits School of Arts is one of Africa's most renowned arts education institutions, offering world-class training in visual arts, music, theatre and film. Notable alumni include artist and writer William Kentridge and film director John Kani .
Official website : https://www.wits.ac.za/wits-school-of-arts/ - Michaelis School of Fine Art - Cape Town
The Michaelis School of Fine Art, part of the University of Cape Town, is known for its rigorous fine arts training and innovative research. Renowned artists such as Irma Stern and Marlene Dumas have trained at the school.
Official website :https://www.michaelis.uct.ac.za/ - Tshwane University of Technology - Pretoria
Tshwane University of Technology offers a variety of arts and design programs, with a focus on innovation and creativity. The school has produced artists such as Kagiso Lediga , a well-known comedian and producer in South Africa.
Official website : https://www.tut.ac.za/
Senegal 🇸🇳
- Dakar School of Fine Arts - Dakar
The Dakar School of Fine Arts is a prestigious institution that trains artists in various fields such as painting, sculpture, and design. It is recognized for its central role in contemporary African art. Famous alumni include Ousmane Sow , a renowned sculptor, and Pape Sow , a contemporary artist known for his innovative works.
Official website : http://www.beauxarts.sn/
Algeria 🇩🇿
National School of Fine Arts - Algiers, © Yelles MCA via Wikipedia
- National School of Fine Arts - Algiers
The National School of Fine Arts of Algiers is a renowned institution that trains artists in various fields of visual arts, including painting, sculpture, and design. It plays a vital role in promoting art and culture in Algeria. Its alumni include famous artists such as Mohamed Racim , a pioneer of Algerian painting, and Baya Mahieddine , known for her unique style that combines tradition and modernity.
Official website : http://www.beauxarts-dz.com/
Morocco 🇲🇦
- Higher School of Art and Design (ESAD) - Casablanca
The École supérieure d'art et de design (ESAD) in Casablanca is a renowned institution that trains professionals in various fields of design, visual art and communication. It is recognized for its innovative pedagogical approach and its ability to prepare students for contemporary challenges in the creative sector. Its alumni include Hicham Berrada , a contemporary artist known for his installations and works that blend art and science.
Official website : http://www.esad.ac.ma/
Kenya 🇰🇪
- College of Art and Design, University of Nairobi
The University of Nairobi College of Art and Design is a renowned institution that trains artists and designers in various fields, including visual arts, graphic design and interior design. It plays a crucial role in the development of art and design in East Africa. Its famous alumni include Wangechi Mutu , a renowned contemporary artist, and Kivuthi Mbuno , a sculptor known for his wood and metal works.
Official website : http://www.uonbi.ac.ke/
Nigeria 🇳🇬
- Fine Arts Department, University of Lagos
The Fine Arts Department of the University of Lagos is a respected institution that offers training programs in visual arts, including painting, sculpture, and design. The department plays a vital role in promoting contemporary art and culture in Nigeria. Notable alumni include Nike Davies-Okundaye , a renowned artist and entrepreneur, and El Anatsui , a sculptor internationally acclaimed for his innovative installations.
Official website : https://www.unilag.edu.ng/
Ghana 🇬ðŸ‡
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) - Kumasi, with a faculty of art and design.
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is one of Ghana's leading universities, offering a Faculty of Art and Design that offers diverse programs in visual arts, graphic design, and interior design. The faculty is renowned for its practical training and contribution to the cultural development of Ghana. Its famous alumni include Ghanaian El Anatsui , an artist known for his contemporary sculptures and large-scale installations.
Official website : https://www.knust.edu.gh/
Tanzania 🇹🇿
- Bagamoyo College of Arts (TaSUBa) - Bagamoyo
Bagamoyo College of Arts, also known as TaSUBa, is an iconic cultural institution in Tanzania, specializing in performing arts, visual arts, and music. The college plays a key role in preserving and promoting African artistic traditions. Its famous alumni include Haja Dadi , a renowned performance and theatre artist, and Suleiman Sumra , a renowned musician and composer.
Official website : http://www.tasuba.ac.tz/
Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
- Harare Polytechnic - Harare, with a school of art and design.
Harare Polytechnic is one of Zimbabwe's leading institutions of higher learning, offering a School of Art and Design that offers programs in visual arts, graphic design and fashion. The school is known for its hands-on training and commitment to innovation in the creative sector. Notable alumni include Cont Mhlanga , an influential playwright and film director, and Ras Tasz , a renowned visual artist and designer.
Official website : http://www.hpoly.ac.zw/
Ivory Coast 🇨🇮
- Félix Houphouët-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute - Yamoussoukro, with a faculty of art and architecture.
The Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny is an institution of higher education in Côte d'Ivoire, which includes a faculty of art and architecture. This faculty trains professionals in various fields such as architecture, design and visual arts, with an emphasis on innovation and sustainability. Among its famous alumni, we can mention Francis Kéré , an architect internationally recognized for his environmentally friendly designs and contributions to sustainable development.
Official website : http://www.inphb.ci/
Uganda 🇺🇬
- Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Arts - Kampala
The Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Arts, located at Makerere University, is one of the leading art schools in Uganda. It offers programs in visual arts, industrial design, and fine arts, with an emphasis on innovation and creativity. The school is renowned for its contribution to contemporary art in East Africa. Notable alumni include Elisabeth KN Okwir , an artist and activist, and Kudzanai Chiurai , a visual artist known for his provocative works.
Official website : http://www.mak.ac.ug/
Jean Dubreil