Cranbrook Academy of Art

Founded in 1932, Cranbrook Academy of Art is a true community of artists, living and working together. Our approach is modeled on the belief that extraordinary things can happen when people are given time and space to explore their work in a supportive and inclusive community. The focus at Cranbrook is on studio practice in one of 11 disciplines: Architecture, Ceramics, Fiber, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interaction Design, Metalsmithing, Painting, Photography, Print Media, and Sculpture. Each department is led by an Artist-in-Residence, whose studio practice helps shape the direction of the program. The Academy is free from conventional classes, and instead of a fixed curriculum, we center the questions of artists who choose to come here as they strive to make sense of an ever-changing world.

The Academy is intentionally small, enrolling a maximum of 10–15 students in each department for a total student body that can range from 130–150 students. Time is marked by long, uninterrupted days in the studio working alongside a dynamic group of colleagues. This allows for a highly personalized experience and easy access to shared facilities and resources that support interdisciplinary practice and collaboration.