Why KyCAD?
KyCAD equips our scholars to generate questions, push boundaries and challenge norms through research, analysis and, ultimately, communication.
If you apply and get accepted, you will have the opportunity to explore courses across the six Centers of Inquiry that anchor our BFA program, allowing you to cross disciplines and blaze your own unique academic trail in the process.
As a KyCAD student you can also engage in experiential learning opportunities through the various programs and events that take place both on and off campus during the academic year. These can provide valuable connections to the broader community and to creative environments outside of the traditional classroom lecture space.
Some examples include:
As a KyCAD student you can also engage in experiential learning opportunities through the various programs and events that take place both on and off campus during the academic year. These can provide valuable connections to the broader community and to creative environments outside of the traditional classroom lecture space.
Some examples include:
Academic Trips + Study Abroad
Students participated in a special study abroad adventure in Scotland where they could select coursework in either studio art or humanities for credit toward their degree. While there, our group traveled across the country meeting with distinguished art professionals and visiting historically significant sites.
Students have visited the Falls of the Ohio State Park in Clarksville, Indiana for a class on site specific research and field study. They gained experience as artists and researchers while developing skills in digital and analog craft. These students then collaborated on an exhibition which showcased their work from the course.
As part of the course Making Methods: The Artisan, students have collaborated with Falls Art Foundry, a professional casting and design facility in Louisville to gain hands-on experience from professional sculptors in areas of casting and mold- making. This resulted in a public exhibition at our 849 Gallery.
Our Professional Seminar class has enabled students to visit Art Basel, Miami Beach, an international contemporary art fair that brings together 200 leading galleries and more than 4000 artists from five continents.
Students have visited the Falls of the Ohio State Park in Clarksville, Indiana for a class on site specific research and field study. They gained experience as artists and researchers while developing skills in digital and analog craft. These students then collaborated on an exhibition which showcased their work from the course.
As part of the course Making Methods: The Artisan, students have collaborated with Falls Art Foundry, a professional casting and design facility in Louisville to gain hands-on experience from professional sculptors in areas of casting and mold- making. This resulted in a public exhibition at our 849 Gallery.
Our Professional Seminar class has enabled students to visit Art Basel, Miami Beach, an international contemporary art fair that brings together 200 leading galleries and more than 4000 artists from five continents.
Outside Experiences
Students traveled with faculty mentors to visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and viewed "The Lume Indianapolis," an immersive Vincent van Gogh exhibit, as well as several roadside sculptures.
Trips to Chicago have included visits to The Art Institute of Chicago, one of the oldest and largest art museums in the world and the Gardens of Millennium Park. Students also explored one of Chicago’s gallery districts comprised of many diverse art studios and galleries.
Trips to Chicago have included visits to The Art Institute of Chicago, one of the oldest and largest art museums in the world and the Gardens of Millennium Park. Students also explored one of Chicago’s gallery districts comprised of many diverse art studios and galleries.
City as Campus
KyCAD is situated within a vibrant city that has long enjoyed a reputation for nurturing art and culture. The Louisville Orchestra, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Great Meadows Foundation, and the Louisville Ballet thrive here alongside an exciting array of music venues, art galleries, world-class restaurants, and independent businesses. Since we take a “City as Campus” approach, Louisville’s many industries and institutions can inform your KyCAD education, in accordance with your own interests and inclinations.
Networking + Professional Collaboration
KyCAD students can become more resilient contemporary art practitioners by learning directly from the assortment of professionals currently working nationally and internationally who participate in our vibrant Visiting Artist Program. Students are also required to enroll in an internship with an organization or individual artist as a component of their capstone experience. Some of the organizations and individuals our students have been involved with include:
