The Higher Education Review

Higher education has evolved andexpanded its boundaries over the years which made it accessible for more students across the globe. Starting as a sketch club in 1885 where practitioners, artists, designers, and architects in the local community got together to practice sketching, the present day Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) has seen first-hand the evolution of art and design education in the US.

While the college has now grown to become one of the most preferred art and design colleges in the world, KCAI still holds close to its core philosophy of coming together, teaching and helping develop the next generation of artists and designers.

This commitment to build an inclusive community where people feel welcomed and supported is one of the primary catalysts that has helped KCAI to continue its journey as a premier college of art and design. Over the years, KCAI has also had the opportunity to nurture some of the most eminent personalities in the art and design space including Walt Disney.

KCAI is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and also has a 10-year accreditation through the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. The college still remains an active member in global conversations regarding the evolution of arts and design.

Apart from this, the college also has four minor programs. Even while offering such a diverse array of academic options to its students, KCAI ensures that each one of its students is offered individual guidance and support. To ensure personalized education and build a strong community, KCAI is a small college by design.

A Pioneer Aspiring to Achieve Excellence
KCAI has evolved with the changing times and throughout the campus one could see the

beauty of old tradition being seamlessly intertwined with cuttingedge technology. This unique balance even trickles down into its academics where the college offer bfas in 13 Majors including Animation, Art History, Ceramics, Creative Writing, Fiber, Filmmaking, Graphic Design, Illustration, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Product Design and Sculpture.

Through this, the college aspires to prepare the next generation of artists and designers to transform the world creatively through art and design. The college offers a rigorous and diverse curriculum as well as an immersive studio experience for the students. The way in which its programs are structured helps the students to learn a wide range of tools, and learn how to manipulate its raw materials within the foundation period itself. This allows its students to understand their strengths as a creative and offers ample flexibility to help the students to find their true calling.

While bridging the industry academic gap remains a prevalent challenge for many higher education institutions, KCAI views it as its duty and an honour. The college helps its students to be critical thinkers and problem solvers who can adapt to their changing surroundings.

This has helped its students to not only work in some of the leading business organizations in the world but also start successful ventures of their own. KCAI has an impressive Professional Practice Centre which support the students to build bridges industry. Aside from this, the college also leverages its partnerships with other institutions to help its students develop their entrepreneurial skills.

Students at KCAI also get plenty of opportunities to practice their craft before they graduate through experiential learning, research and development, internships, and creative communication. The college also offers its students opportunities to engage with important contemporary works and artists. Its Current Perspective lecture series brings in renowned scholars and artists to the campus which also acts as a great platform for its students to interact with artists.

Staying Ahead of The Curve
Faculty plays a crucial role in determining the success of an educational institution and over the years, KCAI has been able to assemble a team of pioneering mentors to guide its students. Talking more about the KCAI’s faculty members, Ruki Neuhold-Ravikumar, Nerman Family President, KCAI says “Our faculty are all practicing artists, designers, and scholars.

They are recipients of national and international awards, have their artwork in museums across the globe, and have written award winning books. Our faculty work closely with the students to help them identify their true aspirations and realize their potential. They also help our students to build the connections they need to succeed in their respective careers”. KCAI constantly updates its infrastructure to stay abreast with the latest technology trends.

The college has created world class studios, academic spaces, and galleries on the campus. There are multiple art museums close by as well. All this helps its students to get unique opportunities for experiential and cross-cultural learning. KCAI helps students realize their educational objectives by making a world-class art and design education accessible and affordable through providing scholarships, grants, loans, student employment, and other financial aid programs.

"Kcai helps students realize their educational objectives by making a worldclass art and design education accessible & affordable through providing scholarships, grants, loans, student employment, & other financial aid programs"
Over the years, KCAI has built a supportive and inclusive community of creative thinkers and problem solvers. Soon, KCAI will launch its strategic planning process to explore new opportunities for its students to customize their education even more and equip themselves with the needed skills required to thrive in their respective careers.

Ruki Neuhold,Ravikumar Nerman Family President KCAI
Nerman Family President Ruki Neuhold Ravikumar is a proven administrator, educator and thought leader who is committed to nourishing the bold ambitions of students to tackle the challenges of the world.