ArtEZ University of the Arts

The ArtEZ University of Arts came into being as a result of the merger between various independent art schools in the east of the Netherlands. Staff member Frits Ferres came up with the name ArtEZ. The capital letters stand for the cities in which ArtEZ is located: Arnhem, Enschede and Zwolle.

ArtEZ provides a coherent range of preparatory courses, Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in visual art, architecture, fashion, design, music, theatre, creative writing, dance and art education for more than 3000 students in Arnhem, Enschede and Zwolle.

Research is a recurring subject within the programmes. Master’s students conduct applied research in the last year of their programme.

Bachelor’s students can choose to apply for the Honours Programme in addition to their regular studies in order to gain further theoretical knowledge or to perform research. Lecturers and students are involved as much as possible in the research projects of the professorships. Students reap the rewards of this research and innovation focus.

This is exemplified by the School of Dance working with an innovative training programme that significantly reduces the risk of injuries.

From fashion designers to musicians, from choreographers to architects, more and more artists are establishing themselves as independent entrepreneurs or opting for mixed professional practice. Employed graduates are also expected to demonstrate entrepreneurial behaviour.