The mission of Cornish College of the Arts is to provide students aspiring to become practicing artists with an educational program of the highest possible quality, in an environment that nurtures creativity and intellectual curiosity, while preparing them to contribute to society as artists, citizens, and innovators.

A pioneer in arts education, Cornish College of the Arts sprang from the remarkable vision of Nellie Cornish, a woman determined to cultivate the arts in Seattle when it was scarcely more than a frontier town. Her philosophy of educating the artist through exposure to all the arts was progressive at the time, and continues to be innovative today.

Cornish College of the Arts is one of only a few private arts... more

The mission of Cornish College of the Arts is to provide students aspiring to become practicing artists with an educational program of the highest possible quality, in an environment that nurtures creativity and intellectual curiosity, while preparing them to contribute to society as artists, citizens, and innovators.

A pioneer in arts education, Cornish College of the Arts sprang from the remarkable vision of Nellie Cornish, a woman determined to cultivate the arts in Seattle when it was scarcely more than a frontier town. Her philosophy of educating the artist through exposure to all the arts was progressive at the time, and continues to be innovative today.

Cornish College of the Arts is one of only a few private arts colleges exclusively offering undergraduate degrees in both the visual and performing arts-fine art, design, dance, music, performance production and theater. Within this exciting, eclectic environment each student finds his or her own voice. Students create art that is daring and relevant in our fast changing global culture.

Our programs of study-anchored in the liberal arts tradition-challenge artists to think critically and teach them to solve complex problems. Collaboration with other visual and performing artists bolsters confidence and instills both a solid work ethic and the ability to absorb criticism. Instructors become mentors, encouraging our students to take risks and form their own opinions.

Our graduates go on to be leaders and innovators, helping to provide our workforce with its creative heartbeat, both within traditional arts organizations and beyond. From technology and design to education and business, Cornish alumni contribute to creative collaborations throughout the region and the world.