At Rhode Island School of Design, you’ll join a creative project that started in 1877

Student crouching and working on a large yellow and green painting in a painting studio.
Wooden architectural model being thrown into sky by one hand.
View of RISD’s main building, 20 Washington Place, at dusk. Building is a mix of traditional brickwork and contemporary architectural elements.

RISD is a college and museum located in Providence, Rhode Island

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Overhead shot of two hands placing blocks on a graphic wooden and painted architectural model.
Image of student dressed in black performing in a white studio space with a laptop, three microphones, two speakers. An orange sits next to the student.

An immersive, cross-disciplinary environment where making begins with a question

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We generate and challenge the ideas that shape our future

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Painting by alum Jon Key of a Black man in a purple suit in fetal position against a red background. The suit is composed of geometric purple squares.
Alum Tanya Aguiñiga in a suit and mask made of flesh-toned neoprene, glass and metal, walking the length of the border wall in the southern US.
Michael Maltzan - Architectural rendering of the Sixth Street Bridge which is made up of a series of arches over the Los Angeles river.
Painting by alum Jon Key of a Black man in a purple suit in fetal position against a red background. The suit is composed of geometric purple squares.
Alum Tanya Aguiñiga in a suit and mask made of flesh-toned neoprene, glass and metal, walking the length of the border wall in the southern US.
Michael Maltzan - Architectural rendering of the Sixth Street Bridge which is made up of a series of arches over the Los Angeles river.
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Civic Engagement and Conversation

Lifting Every Voice

Artists and designers play a key role in building more democratic and equitable societies. From events on campus to resources that support healthy discourse and ethical action, our civic engagement programs offer opportunities to listen, share and learn, and give us a deeper appreciation for how our community lives and experiences the world.

Learn about resources and programs

photo of risd banners across canal walk

Lifting Every Voice

Artists and designers play a key role in building more democratic and equitable societies. From events on campus to resources that support healthy discourse and ethical action, our civic engagement programs offer opportunities to listen, share and learn, and give us a deeper appreciation for how our community lives and experiences the world.

Learn about resources and programs

Latest stories

Hear more about RISD’s community of artists, designers and scholars.

A picture of a photo book
Spring Photography Studio at RISD Explores the Art of the Photo Book

Bookmaking for Photographers helps students develop their own visual language and use context to imbue each image with deeper meaning.

Models walk the runway
Apparel Design Students Showcase Self-Reflective Collections at RISD’s Annual Runway Show

Twelve aspiring designers examined a variety of themes, from disgust and desire, masculinity and femininity to post-apocalyptic worlds. 

mortaboard decorated with image of dragon and RISD Commencement behind
RISD Honors the Class of 2025 at 142nd Commencement Ceremony

The festive three-day weekend included alumni reunions, departmental receptions, a party in Market Square and the annual RISD Craft sale on Benefit Street.

a student presents a series of pink, sparkly drawings inspired by magazine ads
RISD Students Finish Strong at Campus-Wide Spring 2025 Critiques

The end-of-semester rite of passage teaches students to discuss their work, give and receive constructive criticism and push the boundaries of their burgeoning practices.

students share plans for adapting Frank Lloyd Wright structure
RISD Interior Architecture Students Envision New Life for Landmark Frank Lloyd Wright Building

A spring adaptive reuse studio offers hands-on experience navigating the unique circumstances architects face working with historically significant structures. 

amber-colored adhesive prototype with tiny bubbles
RISD-Hyundai Strategic Partnership Explores New Concepts in Bio-Innovation

Students in a cross-disciplinary studio are finding inspiration in nature for conceptual, environmentally friendly design proposals. 

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Thank you to all of the artists and designers whose work is featured here. From top to bottom: Bhen Allen MFA 22 PT (photo by Jo Sittenfeld MFA 08 PH), Alexander Kern BArch 21, photo of 20 Washington Place by Bruce Damonte, Kaori Yasunaga 21 FAV, Kunyue Qi BArch 21 & Jen Chenyu Zhang BArch 21, Qihang Li 20 PR, Meredith Binnette 20 FAV, Miguel Enrique Lastra MFA 22 CR, Jon Key 13 GD, Nickole Klarou 21 FAV, Tanya Aguiñiga MFA 05 FD (photo by Gina Clyne), Jackie Oh 22 AP/FAV, Michael Maltzan BArch 85 (image courtesy of Michael Maltzan Architecture), Julia Chien 22 FAV.