Kentucky College of Art + Design

KyCAD | Designing Change

KyCAD is a private, nonprofit institution offering an intensively taught interdisciplinary program with a subject-led approach to research and practice that builds relevance and engagement around the role of the artist. It is also the only independent college of art + design in the commonwealth.

Headquartered in one of America’s most architecturally significant historic districts, the Kentucky College of Art + Design is an innovative institution driven by a staff, faculty and board of trustees that are passionate about the rigorous academic work we do, the students we serve and the larger community we inhabit.

The Kentucky College of Art + Design promotes a creative and productive life through an undergraduate education in the contemporary arts.

• Create a workplace where students, faculty and staff are equally heard
• Develop practices that embrace innovation and change
• Make decisions within a culture of open integrity
• Act in responsible ways to protect the urban and natural environment
• Become effective collaborative citizens in our community and beyond

• The Kentucky College of Art + Design will be an accredited, independent college of art and design.
• KyCAD will be recognized for new approaches to teaching and learning by supporting collaborative interdisciplinary practice, artistic research and a subject-led curriculum.
• A strong studio culture will develop excellent skills across a wide range of traditional and emerging practices.
• Through the experience of an innovative and diverse visiting artists program, active and engaged faculty and an environment that promotes exploration and risk, students will develop a strong sense of themselves within a contemporary arts culture.
• As a new college in the center of the city of Louisville, KyCAD will build strategic partnerships for our faculty and students. These partnerships will develop research collaborations, professional internship opportunities and integrate the college into the fabric and systems of the city.
• KyCAD will strive to bring value to the city and commonwealth of Kentucky by attracting and developing creative talent, reflecting and communicating culture and change, building on the city’s growing reputation as a lively center of the arts.