Founders Day

students work at drawing tables in a black-and-off white photo

RISD, always something of a maverick, was founded and nurtured by a small group of women more than 40 years before women in America gained the right to vote.

RISD was founded on March 22, 1877

In 1877, the Rhode Island Women’s Centennial Commission, led by Helen Adelia Rowe Metcalf, had a surplus of $1,675. They decided to use the funds to found an independent school of art and design (instead of building a public fountain—one of the other options on the table), a bold and somewhat controversial choice at the time. Despite the fact that only a few such schools existed in the US at that time and many people publicly doubted that the endeavor could be successful, Metcalf and her peers forged ahead. Nearly 150 years later, Rhode Island School of Design is still a place for innovation and experimentation.

Students trained in arts and design since 1877

114,000+

Pre-College Program alumni since 1971

10,500+

Visitors to RISD Museum 2023-2024

130,584

2026 On-Campus Events

In honor of its entrepreneurial founders and rich legacy, RISD celebrates Founders Day in March with a series of events and service activities that reflect and carry forward the institution’s mission.

Get to know RISD

students walking on the sidewalk in front of the red brick Waterman Building on RISD’s campus
About RISD

Learn our history, values, leadership and more about what makes us who we are.

risd graduating class of 1902 black and white historical photo
History and Tradition

As one of the first independent colleges of art and design in the US, RISD has always stood out as something of a maverick.

RISD flags flying in front of downtown highrises
News and events

See what our students, faculty and alumni are up to at RISD and beyond.