about rhode island school of design (risd)

As the world’s preeminent college of art and design, RISD educates extraordinary individuals to become engaged citizens of the world. The studio-based education RISD has offered since 1877 prepares graduates to excel in the fields of art, architecture, design and art education.

RISD’s vibrant community of 1,900 undergraduate and 400 graduate students, 500 full- and part-time faculty, and 22,000 alumni shares a passion for critical inquiry and discovery. Through immersion in the creative process and focus on a specific discipline, students learn to see and think in new ways. Beginning with a rigorous freshman foundation program, faculty urge students to let go of their preconceptions and challenge assumptions as they explore the fundamentals of drawing and two- and three-dimensional design. As students progress in one of 18 studio majors, they are challenged with projects that emphasize strong conceptual development in the context of social responsibility, community engagement and sustainability. From digital photography to 3D modeling and printing, technology permeates the art- and design-making process, spawning new ways of thinking and working. The curriculum balances exploration of the history, theory and practice of a chosen discipline with a broad-based approach to world literature, history, philosophy and the social sciences. The RISD Museum of Art, one of the finest art museums in the country, reinforces the hands-on learning experience for students and offers the regional community a rich repository of world culture.

RISD’s creative influence is felt throughout the world, and each year hundreds of visiting artists and students from around the world participate in studios, research and collaborative art and design projects. In Providence, students and faculty play catalytic roles in community projects and public schools, while museum and campus galleries draw visitors to inspiring exhibitions and cultural programs. Public works of art by RISD alumni, students and faculty enhance parks and neighborhoods throughout the country, and partnerships with corporations, foundations and other universities yield breakthroughs in product development, marketing, social service and education. Innovative teams at RISD are working with Target Corporation, NASA, Swarovski, and Donna Karan - just to name just a few.  

In a world dependent on creative vision, innovation, communications and environmental viability, RISD alumni are a defining force in contemporary culture. In the past 10 years alone, eight RISD alumni have been named MacArthur Fellows, and graduates are frequently recognized with other national honors, including the Caldecott Medal, American Institute of Architects awards, Academy and Emmy awards, and the National Design Award. The accomplishments of RISD’s alumni affirm the unique combination of pedagogy and style for which the college is known.

more at: www.risd.edu