University of Arts in Poznan

The Poznan University of Arts has been in existence for over 90 years. It was established in 1919 as the School of Decorative Arts and was later transformed into the State Institute of Art.

In 1946 it was renamed the State Higher School of Fine Arts. In September 1996 the school was approved to become the Academy and was once again renamed. The Academy of Fine Arts in Poznań finally after 14 years became the University of Arts in Poznań.

The frequent changes of the school’s name resulted from the continuous development of its structure and faculties as well as a tradition of an Academy that is subject to ongoing transformation, a tradition of being open to the quest for artistic and intellectual values. The school has always been a melting-pot for various concepts and many disciplines of art, from classical to contemporary, and never has a single artistic, designing or aesthetic doctrine been allowed to prevail.

Today, Uniwersytet Artystyczny w Poznaniu is a school that continues to expand its educational profile. Its broad scope of activities differentiates it from other higher artistic schools in Poland. It provides a full range of media and facilities that reflect all the current trends in contemporary art and its artistic profile is well recognized all over the country.

University is one of leading institutions in Poland recognized by Rzeczpospolita and Perspektywy as the best polish Fine Arts university-level institution in 2003.

Our students’ and graduates’ artistic achievement is often awarded. Ms. Aleksandra Woldańska, Ms. Maria Milenko (both studying Graphic Design) and Mr. Szymon Skrzypczak (studying Artistic Education) won first prizes of EU Commission poster and logo competitions in 2006 and 2010. University cooperates with universities in Europe, Americas, and Asia. University is involved in the realization of many different EU sponsored projects dedicated to the development of cultural heritage understanding. University being an international institution runs international arts and design workshops and conferences. Among most known competitions the University of Arts organizes Biennial of Students Graphics and co-organizes Biennial of Photography.