Art Academy of Cincinnati, Cincinnati

The Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC) is a private college of art and design located in Cincinnati. Established in 1869 as the McMicken School of Design, it originally functioned as part of the University of Cincinnati. In 1887, it became known as the Art Academy of Cincinnati and served as the museum school for the Cincinnati Art Museum. In 1998, the Academy gained independence from the museum and continues today as a fully accredited institution through the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

AAC offers a range of degree programs including an Associate of Science in Graphic Design, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in areas such as Creative Writing, Design, Illustration, Painting and Drawing, Photography, Print Media, and Sculpture, as well as a Master of Arts in Art Education, taught during the summer semester.

In 2005, the Art Academy of Cincinnati moved to a LEED-certified facility on Jackson Street in Over-the-Rhine, helping boost the area’s arts scene. The building offers 24/7 student access, junior and senior studios, classrooms, labs, and more. Nearby housing for freshmen, opened in 2020 with Urban Sites, features 33 loft-style apartments with kitchens, laundry facilities, and live-in Resident Advisors.

The Art Academy also supports an active exhibition program through its three public galleries: the Pearlman Gallery, the Chidlaw Gallery, and the McClure Gallery. These spaces showcase a mix of work from students, faculty, alumni, as well as local and national artists.