The best art schools in South America

South America is teeming with renowned artistic educational institutions that play a key role in the development of culture and art across the continent. These schools offer a wide range of programs, from fine arts to design, as well as theater and music. They are recognized for their academic excellence, innovative approach, and ability to train internationally renowned artists. In this presentation, we highlight some of the best art schools in the region, as well as their contributions to the South American artistic scene.

Brazil 🇧🇷

Universidade de São Paulo (USP) - Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo, ©João Batista Vilanova Artigas via Wikipedia

São Paulo

• Universidade de São Paulo (USP) - Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo
  Founded in 1934, the Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo of the University of São Paulo (USP) is one of the most prestigious architecture schools in Latin America. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in architecture and urbanism, emphasizing theory, practice, and research. The school is known for its rigorous training and impact on urban development in Brazil. Notable alumni include renowned architects such as Paulo Mendes da Rocha (Pritzker Prize) and Lina Bo Bardi(architect and designer).

  Official site: fau.usp.br

• Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado (FAAP)
  Founded in 1947, the Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado (FAAP) is a reputed higher education institution in São Paulo, offering programs in visual arts, design, communication, and other creative fields. FAAP stands out for its interdisciplinary approach and commitment to academic and artistic excellence. Among its famous alumni are influential artists and designers such as fashion designer Alexandre Herchcovitch and visual artist Vik Muniz.

  Official site: faap.br

Rio de Janeiro

• Escola de Belas Artes - UFRJ
  Founded in 1820, the Escola de Belas Artes of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) is one of the oldest and most respected art education institutions in Brazil. It offers programs in fine arts, architecture, and design, emphasizing experimentation and research. The school is known for its impact on the Brazilian artistic scene. Notable alumni include painters like Cândido Portinari and Di Cavalcanti, who played an important role in modern Brazilian art.

  Official site: eba.ufrj.br

• Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ) - Faculdade de Belas Artes
  The Faculdade de Belas Artes of the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ) was founded in 1978 and offers programs in visual arts, graphic design, and other artistic disciplines. The school focuses on practical and theoretical training, preparing its students for a career in art and design. Among its famous alumni are recognized artists and designers, such as painter and sculptor Carlos Vergara.

  Official site: uerj.br

Argentina 🇦🇷

• Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) - Facultad de Arquitectura, Diseño y Urbanismo
  Founded in 1906, the Facultad de Arquitectura, Diseño y Urbanismo of the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) is one of the most prestigious institutions in architecture and design in Latin America. It offers programs in architecture, industrial design, and urbanism, with a research and practice-oriented approach. The school is recognized for its contribution to modern architecture. Notable alumni include renowned architects like Clorindo Testa and Emilio Ambasz.

  Official site: fadu.uba.ar

• Universidad Nacional de las Artes (UNA)
  Founded in 2005, the Universidad Nacional de las Artes (UNA) is a higher education institution dedicated to the arts. It offers a variety of programs in visual arts, theater, dance, music, and media arts. The university focuses on artistic training and creative experimentation, fostering a dynamic learning environment.

  Official site: una.edu.ar

Chile 🇨🇱

Universidad de Chile - Facultad de Artes, © Carlos yo via Wikipedia

• Universidad de Chile - Facultad de Artes
  Founded in 1842, the Faculty of Arts of the University of Chile is one of the oldest and most respected art education institutions in Latin America. It offers programs in visual arts, music, theater, and dance. The faculty stands out for its interdisciplinary approach and commitment to artistic research. Notable alumni include artists such as Roberto Matta (painter) and Vicente Huidobro(poet).

  Official site: artes.uchile.cl

• Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile - Facultad de Artes
  Founded in 1888, the Faculty of Arts of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile is an institution recognized for its academic and artistic excellence. It offers programs in visual arts, theater, music, and design, with a strong emphasis on creativity and innovation. The faculty is also involved in community and cultural projects. Notable alumni include artists such as Claudio Bravo (painter) and filmmaker Marialy Rivas.

  Official site: artes.uc.cl

Colombia 🇨🇴

• Universidad Nacional de Colombia - Facultad de Artes
  Founded in 1867, the Faculty of Arts of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia is one of the most prestigious art institutions in Colombia. It offers programs in visual arts, music, theater, dance, and design. The faculty is known for its rigorous academic training and commitment to research and artistic creation. Notable alumni include artists such as Débora Arango (painter) and sculptor Edgar Negret.

  Official site: artes.unal.edu.co

• Universidad de los Andes - Facultad de Artes y Humanidades
  Founded in 1948, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the Universidad de los Andes offers an interdisciplinary approach to art and humanities, integrating programs in visual arts, literature, cinema, and philosophy. The school focuses on creativity and critical analysis, preparing its students for various careers in the cultural field. Among its famous alumni are influential artists and writers such as writer Gabriel García Márquez, although he did not complete his studies at this faculty, his impact on Colombian culture is undeniable.

  Official site: uniandes.edu.co

Uruguay 🇺🇾

• Universidad de la República - Facultad de Artes
  Founded in 1849, the Faculty of Arts of the Universidad de la República is one of the leading art education institutions in Uruguay. It offers a range of programs in visual arts, music, theater, and design. The faculty is recognized for its critical approach and commitment to artistic research. Notable alumni include artists such as Joaquín Torres García (painter and muralist) and contemporary artist Liliana Porter.

  Official site: fadu.edu.uy

• Escuela Universitaria Centro de Diseño (EUCD)
  Founded in 2008, the Escuela Universitaria Centro de Diseño (EUCD) is a higher education institution that focuses on training in design, visual arts, and communication. It offers programs focused on innovation and creativity, preparing students for careers in various design fields.

  Official site: eucd.edu.uy

Peru 🇵🇪

Universidad de la República - Facultad de Artes, © JacobinoWunsh via Wikipedia

• Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú - Facultad de Arte
  Founded in 1917, the Faculty of Art of the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú is one of the most respected art education institutions in the country. It offers programs in visual arts, design, and performing arts, with a focus on experimentation and research. The faculty is recognized for its contribution to the Peruvian and Latin American artistic scene. Notable alumni include artists such as Fernando de Szyszlo (painter) and sculptor Jorge Eduardo Eielson.

  Official site: pucp.edu.pe

• Escuela de Arte de la Universidad Nacional de San Marcos
  Founded in 1972, the Escuela de Arte of the National University of San Marcos is one of the main institutions for art education in Peru. It offers programs in visual arts, sculpture, painting, and graphic design. The school focuses on developing creativity and fostering critical thinking among its students.

  Official site: unmsm.edu.pe