Mission and Vision

It is our mission to help our students become the artistic professionals that will respond to tomorrow's world with a critical vision, energy, and care.

Change is an integral part of life, and thus of the professional practice of artists, designers, educators, and cultural producers. At the beginning of the study program, the context in which the student will later become professionally active is still largely unknown. This means that the education program, while being closely connected to contemporary practices, must also prepare the student for future practices which are still emerging.

The curriculum of the Willem de Kooning Academy is founded in an interdisciplinary ethos through the Autonomous, Social and Commercial Practices. The Majors are the entry point of study for all Bachelor students; the Practices the interdisciplinary research contexts in the second half of the Bachelor programs; and the highly unique Stations (advanced workshops focused on Research through Making) complete the three pillars of the institute.

The WdKA is committed to creating an inclusive educational culture. We aim to educate students who will become a new generation of artists and designers that shape an equitable and sustainable future through their capacity of creating collaborative and transformative practices.