Our history

Then

We have a rich and respected art and design heritage that can be traced back to 1843 when an art provision was founded in the city with the mission to serve industry and culture in and around Birmingham.

The city and its industrialists wanted to add value to their products and enrich people by investing in art and design education.

In the early part of the Millennium we became part of the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design (BIAD).

We have since become a globally significant centre for fashion, textiles and design.

Now and Next

In September 2014, the School became part of the University’s Faculty of the Arts, Design and Media, further strengthening our strong creative and cultural offer.