About Us

CCAD is the place where talent is nurtured, artists and designers are empowered, and potential becomes reality.

Our Values

We value every member of our community and together we focus on student and institutional success.

Respect
Be respectful in tone and with people’s time, and offer constructive criticism. Be transparent by communicating directly, clearly, and in a timely manner.
Positivity
Be supportive and praise your peers. Assume positive intent and competency.
Inspiration
Model the behavior you want to see in others. Embrace change and innovative thinking.
Accountability
Be accountable to one another at all levels. Lead from every seat with a “we.”
INNOVATIVE RESOURCES
Our state-of-the-art makerspaces fuel creativity, collaboration, and innovation—equipping the next generation to shape culture, business, and the future.
Makerspaces
CCAD 20220320 Facilities and Teaching 291
20181106 Fashion Classes 40

Celebrating All Students

Culture is shaped when everyone has the opportunity to discover their voice, express their talent, and contribute to making what matters.

60%
of students identify as LGBTQ+
30%
of students are people of color
40%
of students are the first in their families to attend college
25
U.S. states are represented by the students who call CCAD home

Our Future

We're working to create a transformational educational experience that serves our innovative campus community and drives the growth of the region's creative economy.

Read our strategic plan

Our Impact

The future is built by creatives who honor the past while imagining what's next. Through expanded scholarships, transformative learning experiences, and a growing presence in downtown Columbus, CCAD is preparing the next generation of artists and designers to influence culture, strengthen communities, and create lasting economic impact.

Read our President's Report

I chose CCAD over other colleges because it has the most positive community that allows for growth and development of skills in an understanding and safe environment.

Current CCAD Student
student-club-meeting-testimonial-241008

The Investment of a Lifetime

We bring real life into the classroom. And that brings students face-to-face with their future and prepares them for what’s next.

190
projects with 91 learning partners, providing students with real-world experience in the classroom.
88%
of BFA graduates are employed or continuing their education one year post-graduation.
150,000
hours of real-world experiences with outside businesses and organizations in CCAD classrooms since 2019. 

CREATING SINCE 1879.

CCAD was founded by five women who envisioned a place where artists could learn and grow from one another. And from that point forward we’ve worked to make that vision a reality.

OUR HISTORY