San Francisco Art Institute provides its students with a rigorous education in the fine arts and preparation for a life in the arts through an innovative, intensive studio environment; a vital liberal arts experience; and engagement with the world at large. SFAI also strives to be a leader in promoting awareness of the relevance of the arts in contemporary culture. SFAI encourages art making that reflects a broad spectrum of forms and philosophical and aesthetic approaches; fosters critical thinking and creative development through ongoing intensive critiques; promotes artistic and intellectual freedom, imagination, creativity, experimentation, and risk taking in a diverse and heterogeneous environment; engages a broad cross-section of local, national, and international artists, scholars, and communities in mutual exploration of art, and of the roles, responsibilities, and integrity of art and the artist in society and more.