North America is home to some of the most prestigious and influential art schools in the world. These institutions offer a variety of creative programs, from fine arts to design, and are dedicated to educating the next generation of artists, designers, and critical thinkers. Through innovative pedagogical approaches and strong ties to industry, these schools cultivate a stimulating learning environment that encourages experimentation and self-expression. Below, discover some of the best art schools in North America that have shaped the careers of many renowned artists.
United States 🇺🇸
Rhode Island School of Design, © Daniel Penfield via Wikipedia
new York
- Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
Founded in 1877, the Rhode Island School of Design is one of the most prestigious art and design schools in the United States. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, from fine arts to industrial design. RISD is known for its practice-based pedagogy and stimulating creative environment. Notable alumni include Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane, musician and visual artist David Byrne , and fashion designer Anna Sui.
Official website: risd.edu
- School of Visual Arts (SVA)
Founded in 1947, the School of Visual Arts is located in New York City and offers programs in visual arts, design, animation, and more. SVA is known for its professional training and strong ties to the creative industry. Notable alumni include iconic pop artist Andy Warhol , animator and filmmaker Bill Plympton , and contemporary artist Jeff Koons, famous for his sculptures.Official website: sva.edu
- New York Academy of Art
Founded in 1982, the New York Academy of Art focuses on training in figurative art and painting. The school emphasizes technique, art history, and contemporary practice, providing an immersive experience for its students. Its alumni include Chuck Close , a painter known for his realistic portraits; John Ahearn , a renowned sculptor; and Lisa Yuskavage, a contemporary artist known for her provocative works.Official website: nyaa.edu
California
San Francisco Art Institute, © Slsmithasdfasdf via Wikipedia
- California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
Founded in 1961 by Walt Disney and other artists, the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is known for its innovative approach to arts education. The school offers programs in visual arts, music, dance, theater, and animation, and is known for its interdisciplinary training. Notable alumni include Tim Burton (filmmaker), John Lasseter (co-founder of Pixar), and Mira Nair(filmmaker).Official website: calarts.edu
- ArtCenter College of Design
Founded in 1930, ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena is one of the most respected design institutions in the world. The school offers programs in areas such as graphic design, product design, photography, and illustration. It is known for its hands-on teaching and industry connections. Notable alumni include fashion photographer Craig McDean , industrial designer and futurist Syd Mead , and animator and filmmaker Jason Silva.Official website: artcenter.edu
- San Francisco Art Institute
Founded in 1871, the San Francisco Art Institute (SFAI) is one of the oldest art schools in the United States. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the visual arts, including painting, sculpture, photography, and new media. SFAI is known for its commitment to artistic experimentation. Alumni include Richard Diebenkorn (painter), Annie Leibovitz (photographer), and Bruce Conner(multimedia artist).Official website: sfai.edu
Massachusetts
- Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt)
Founded in 1873, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) is the first public college devoted exclusively to art and design in the United States. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including fine arts, graphic design, and illustration. MassArt is recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the art world. Notable alumni include JJ Abrams (film director and screenwriter) and Charlie McAlister(illustrator).Official website: massart.edu
- Harvard University - Graduate School of Design
The Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD) was founded in 1936 and is one of the world's leading design schools. It offers master's programs in architecture, landscape, and urban planning. GSD is renowned for its innovative research and interdisciplinary approach, integrating the arts, sciences, and technology. Famous alumni include Frank Gehry (architect), Zaha Hadid (architect), and Renzo Piano(architect).Official website: gsd.harvard.edu
Illinois
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, © Alanscottwalker via Wikipedia
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
Founded in 1866, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is one of the most renowned art schools in the United States. Located in the heart of Chicago, SAIC offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fine arts, design, visual arts, and more. The school is known for its interdisciplinary approach and stimulating learning environment, encouraging students to explore diverse media and techniques. Notable alumni include Georgia O'Keeffe (painter), Saul Steinberg (artist and illustrator), and Kerry James Marshall(contemporary artist).Official website: saic.edu
Texas
- University of Texas at Austin - College of Fine Arts
The College of Fine Arts at the University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1938, is one of the nation's leading centers of arts education. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in visual arts, music, dance, theater, and design. The college is known for its commitment to artistic creation and interdisciplinary research, as well as its collaboration with industry professionals. Notable alumni include artist and photographer Mark Morris , set designer Robert Wilson , and composer Graham Reynolds.Official website: finearts.utexas.edu
Canada 🇨🇦
Ontario
Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD U)
- Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD U)
Founded in 1876, Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD U) is Canada’s largest institution of higher learning in visual arts and design. The school offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in fine arts, graphic design, experiential design, and more. OCAD U is known for its research-driven approach and innovation. Notable alumni include well-known artists Gary Taxali (illustrator and artist), and Kwame Nkrumah-Acheampong(multidisciplinary artist).Official website: ocadu.ca
- University of Toronto - John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design
The John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design at the University of Toronto was founded in 1827 and is one of Canada's most prestigious schools of architecture. It offers master's programs in architecture, landscape design, and urban planning, with an emphasis on interdisciplinarity and community engagement. The faculty is renowned for its innovative research and practical approach. Notable alumni include architect and urban planner Ken Greenberg and architect and designer Robert A. M. Stern.Official website: daniels.utoronto.ca
Quebec
- University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM) - School of Visual Arts
Founded in 1969, the School of Visual Arts at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) is renowned for its training in plastic and visual arts. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in visual arts, including painting, sculpture, photography and multimedia. The school is committed to a critical and experimental approach to art. Notable alumni include artists such as Jean-Paul Riopelle (painter), and Marc Séguin(contemporary artist).Official website: uqam.ca
- Concordia University - Faculty of Fine Arts
Concordia University's Faculty of Fine Arts, founded in 1974, is one of the largest art faculties in Canada. It offers a diverse range of programs in visual arts, music, dance, theatre and digital arts. The faculty is known for its interdisciplinary approach and support for artistic creation. Notable alumni include performance artist James Lee Byars and fashion designer Marie Saint Pierre.Official website: concordia.ca
British Columbia
- Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Founded in 1925, Emily Carr University of Art + Design, located in Vancouver, is one of Canada’s leading institutions of art and design education. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in visual arts, design, animation, and digital arts. Emily Carr is recognized for her innovative approach and commitment to creative experimentation and community engagement. Notable alumni include artists such as Kenojuak Ashevak (Inuit artist), and Ian Wallace(contemporary artist).Official website: ecuad.ca
Mexico 🇲🇽
Mexico City
Centro Nacional de Artes (CENART), © CatmenGata via Wikipedia
- National Arts Center (CENART)
Founded in 1994, Centro Nacional de Artes (CENART) is a higher education institution that offers programs in visual arts, music, theater, dance, and film. Located in Mexico City, CENART aims to promote culture and arts education in Mexico, while providing spaces for artistic creation and experimentation.Official website: cenart.gob.mx
- Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México (UNAM) - Facultad de Artes y Diseño
The Facultad de Artes y Diseño of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) was founded in 1945 and is one of the leading institutions of arts education in Mexico. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in visual arts, design, architecture, and more. The faculty is recognized for its commitment to research and innovation in the arts. Notable alumni include artists such as Rufino Tamayo (painter), and Francisco Toledo(artist and craft advocate).Official website: fadu.unam.mx
Jean Dubreil