Art Academy of Cincinnati: A Comprehensive Guide

Founded in 1869, the Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC) is one of the oldest and most prestigious art schools in the United States. With over 150 years of experience, AAC has established a strong reputation for its excellence in art education and training.

AAC by the Numbers

• 1869: Year of establishment
• 150+: Years of operation
• 171,000+: Square feet of campus space
• 1,000+: Current student enrollment
• 96%: Undergraduate placement rate within 6 months of graduation
• $28,000: Average annual tuition for in-state students

Academic Programs

AAC offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in art and design, including:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in:

  • Painting
  • Drawing
  • Sculpture
  • Printmaking
  • Photography
  • Graphic Design
  • Interior Design
  • Art Education

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in:

  

  • Painting
  • Drawing
  • Sculpture
  • Printmaking
  • Photography
• Master of Arts in Art Education (MAEd)

Notable Features

Renowned Faculty

AAC has a faculty of over 70 renowned artists, scholars, and educators. Many of AAC's faculty members are actively engaged in contemporary art practice and have exhibited their work internationally.

Historic Architecture

AAC's main campus is located in the heart of Cincinnati's historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. The campus is home to four historic buildings, including:

• Deane Building (1856): Originally a hospital, now houses studios and classrooms
• Emery Building (1887): Former home of the Cincinnati Art Museum, now houses studios and galleries
• Pogue Building (1893): Former department store, now houses the AAC library and administrative offices
• Otto M. Budig Academy (1913): Purpose-built art academy building

World-Class Facilities

AAC's campus offers state-of-the-art facilities for students, including:

• Studios: Over 40,000 square feet of studio space for painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and graphic design
• Galleries: Three galleries on campus showcase student and faculty artwork
• Library: Collection of over 50,000 books, journals, and digital resources on art and design
• Museum Partners: AAC has partnerships with the Cincinnati Art Museum and the Taft Museum of Art, providing students with access to world-renowned art collections

Innovation and Creativity

AAC is committed to fostering innovation and creativity in its students. The school offers a number of programs and initiatives to support this goal, such as:

• CREATE Center: Interdisciplinary center that supports entrepreneurial artists and designers
• New Frontiers Fellowship: Program that provides funding and mentorship to students working on innovative art projects
• Student Research Symposium: Annual event where students present their original research and creative projects

Career Services

AAC provides comprehensive career services to help students prepare for their professional careers. The school's Career Development Center offers:

• Resume and portfolio review:
• Job search assistance:
• Networking events:
• Alumni connections:
• Internship opportunities:

Why Art Matters

Art plays a vital role in our society. It can:

• Foster creativity:
• Develop critical thinking skills:
• Improve communication skills:
• Enhance cultural understanding:
• Promote social justice:

Benefits of an Art Education

An art education from AAC can provide numerous benefits to students, including:

• Artistic and technical skills:
• Confidence and self-expression:
• Career opportunities:
• Lifelong learning:
• Personal enrichment:

How to Apply

Prospective students can apply to AAC through the following steps:

1. Visit the AAC website and create an account.
2. Submit an online application.
3. Submit a portfolio of artwork.
4. Send official transcripts.
5. Pay the application fee.

Pros and Cons of AAC

Pros:

• Renowned faculty:
• World-class facilities:
• Historic architecture:
• Emphasis on innovation and creativity:
• Comprehensive career services:

Cons:

• High tuition costs:
• Competitive admissions process:
• Limited online course offerings:

FAQs

1. What are the tuition costs at AAC?

Tuition rates vary depending on residency status. For in-state students, the average annual tuition is $28,000.

2. What is the acceptance rate at AAC?

The acceptance rate at AAC is around 70%.

3. Does AAC offer online courses?

AAC offers a limited number of online courses.

4. What financial aid is available to AAC students?

AAC offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

5. What are the career opportunities for AAC graduates?

AAC graduates can pursue a wide range of careers in art and design, including:

• Artist:
• Art teacher:
• Art director:
• Curator:
• Museum educator:
• Graphic designer:
• Interior designer:

6. What is the difference between a BFA and an MFA?

A BFA is a four-year undergraduate degree that provides a foundation in the arts. An MFA is a two-year graduate degree that focuses on advanced artistic practice and research.

7. What is the best way to prepare for admissions to AAC?

The best way to prepare for admissions to AAC is to develop a strong portfolio of artwork and maintain a high academic record.

8. What is the CREATE Center?

The CREATE Center is an interdisciplinary center that supports entrepreneurial artists and designers. The center provides funding, mentorship, and resources to students who are working on innovative art projects.