Mission and Vision

Mission

Our mission is to educate, inspire and empower creative and design leaders.

Vision

With students at the heart of our mission and our faculty of practicing artists and designers, along with dedicated staff, committed to excellence, our vision is simple:

To be THE art & design school known as the best at educating, inspiring, empowering and connecting generations of creative leaders – turning passions into professions.

Reimagining ArtCenter – Vision 2030

Almost 100 years ago, ArtCenter was created to meet the needs of a rapidly changing and growing economy of creative and cultural industries. Our founder, Tink Adams, recognized industry needs that weren’t being met and responded by building one of the world’s leading design education institutions. His pioneering approach to higher education connected the creativity and talent of students with a faculty of creative professionals working in the fields students hoped to one day make their mark. ArtCenter disrupted the status quo and responded to the changing world around it.

Over the past century, ArtCenter has continued to engage, adapt and innovate at the leading edge of art and design education. The result has been a remarkably effective process for transforming passions into professions. This time-tested approach and commitment to learning by doing remains central to our mission.

As we approach our second century, ArtCenter is once again reimagining and strengthening its role in art and design education. Vision 2030 builds on our legacy, while responding to the needs of creative industries and the future.

Our Strategic Intent

To deliver on Vision 2030, ArtCenter is focused on three interconnected actions: Refocus. Reinvest. Refresh.

Refocus

Align the College’s academic portfolio, campus footprint and operations with future demands, leaving behind what no longer serves student success.

Reinvest

Double down on what drives outcomes: recruitment, a strong and visible brand, deep industry connections and an exceptional student experience — human, physical and digital.

Refresh

Strengthen belonging and affinity within the ArtCenter community, while building the College’s capacity to evolve through action and collaboration.

ArtCenter's Roadmap for Success

ArtCenter’s Vision 2030 is advanced through four strategic themes that focus priorities and guide investment. Together they ensure an exceptional student experience, a future-ready academic portfolio, a resilient foundation and a powerful network of partnerships.

Enhancing the ArtCenter Experience

We will strengthen the distinctive ArtCenter experience by implementing strategic recruitment, improving the student experience, investing in the ArtCenter brand and celebrating faculty, staff and technology excellence.

Delivering the Academic Portfolio of the Future

ArtCenter will lead with degree programs that directly respond to industry needs, while expanding extended studies to support creative professionals throughout an entire career. Outcomes will be supported by data and insights.

Creating a Resilient Foundation

We will continue to evolve the campus for the future, focusing on people, place, technology and experiences. By optimizing operational efficiency and building financial reserves, we will ensure sustainability, agility and the ability to reinvest in what matters most.

Building Strategic Networks and Partnerships

ArtCenter will fuel growth through partnership, activating alumni networks, deepening industry collaboration, and building new relationships with community and stakeholders. These connections will strengthen career pathways, fuel innovation and help build new revenue.

ArtCenter by 2030

By 2030, ArtCenter strives to be ranked in the global top three of design schools, recognized for exceptional student outcomes, job placement and outstanding return on investment. The College will also be a top choice for industry partnerships and talent recruitment.

ArtCenter will also serve a wider range of students and learners, with industry-focused programs and career-long access to education.

The College will foster a vibrant, connected community, anchored by a dynamic campus and an engaged global network that cultivates belonging and actively connects students, faculty, staff, alumni and industry. Deeply rooted in Los Angeles and influential in global design, ArtCenter will continue to shape creative leadership worldwide.

ArtCenter will be financially sustainable, agile, and efficient, supported by diversified revenue that enables growth while advancing student affordability.

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