Introduction

The history of the Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków dates back to 1818—at that time, a school was established within the Jagiellonian University to educate artists. Over time, it became an independent institution, earned the title of “Academy,” and expanded the scope of its educational activities. It is the oldest institution of its kind in Poland, with a tradition spanning over two centuries, placing it among the elite group of the oldest art schools in Europe. From its very inception, the institution has drawn on European influences and has itself helped shape trends in art. Over more than two centuries of operation, it has established the canon of art education in Poland. Among the graduates and faculty of the Academy of Fine Arts have been—and continue to be—Poland’s most outstanding artists.

Currently, the Academy consists of seven departments focusing on various aspects of art, design, and conservation. These are the departments of Interior Architecture, Industrial Design, Graphic Arts, Intermedia, Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art, Painting, and Sculpture. The Academy also operates a Doctoral School and a number of interdepartmental units. A total of approximately 1,000 students are enrolled here, and classes are taught by about 300 faculty members. Therefore, despite its relatively small size—compared to other universities—the Academy of Fine Arts is an organization with a high degree of internal diversity, covering a broad range of artistic, design, and conservation activities.

As part of the work on the university’s new strategy for 2021–2030, the Academy’s administration decided to subject elements of the strategic plan to broad consultations within the Academy’s community. The planned changes—both organizational and infrastructural—have created a need to develop an updated operational framework for the Academy. This framework aims not only to leverage the Academy’s unique heritage but also to foster its artistic and educational development. The expected outcome of this strategic process is to achieve the broadest possible consensus on the adopted guidelines, increase the academic community’s involvement in the long-term planning process, and incorporate ideas proposed by various groups within the Academy.

We encourage you to review the updated document (link to the PDF file: STRATEGY | Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków).