About KyCAD
The Kentucky College of Art + Design was founded in 2009 by Churchill G. Davenport as the Kentucky School of Contemporary Art.
Today, 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.
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.
Licensure + Accreditation
The Kentucky College of Art + Design is licensed to operate as an independent institution in Kentucky by the Kentucky Council on Post-Secondary Education (CPE). This license does not imply an endorsement or recommendation by the Council.
Kentucky College of Art + Design is a candidate for accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate degrees. Kentucky College of Art + Design also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the status of Kentucky College of Art + Design may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Kentucky College of Art + Design is a candidate for accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate degrees. Kentucky College of Art + Design also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the status of Kentucky College of Art + Design may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Our Mission
The Kentucky College of Art + Design promotes a creative and productive life through an undergraduate education in the contemporary arts.
Our Vision
- 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
Our Values
- 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 artist’s program, active and engaged faculty and an environment that promotes exploration and risk, students’s 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.
Kentucky Connections
KyCAD generates an art school for the commonwealth, reaching outside our material walls with field trips, site visits, interactive events, and community-focused workshops and presentations. We are open, porous and engaged. Some of our many collaborative partners have included: Louisville Ballet, Warwick Foundation, Louisville Orchestra, Festival of Faiths, Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, Rhythm Science Sound, 21c Museum Hotel, the Great Meadows Foundation, Falls Art Foundry, Speed Cinema, the INhouse Foundation, and Kentucky Refugee Ministries.
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Student Achievement
The Kentucky College of Art + Design identifies and evaluates success with respect to student achievement consistent with its mission “to promote a creative and productive life through an undergraduate education in the contemporary arts.”
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