University of Applied Arts Vienna

Exterior view of the building of the University of Applied Arts Vienna © Birgit und Peter Kainz/Peter KAinz

The University of Applied Arts Vienna sees itself as a place for free artistic and academic expression and as a laboratory for artistic visions, which unfold their potentials in the society of the future. The university is home to students, many of whom coming from other countries, both within Europe and abroad. The broad spectrum of artistic disciplines, complemented by a large number of scientific subjects, enriches the special atmosphere that prevails at the "Angewandte".

The concept of the university as a place for critical reflection upon one’s personal thought and action, a place where questions are more important than patent solutions – this idea flourishes here. Studies are not limited to the mere conveyance of artistic techniques and skills. Rather, the development of individual artistic creativity and reflection upon one’s work on the basis of theories and concepts are our foremost priorities.

Faculties and programmes

Architecture | Art & Science | Cross-Disciplinary Strategies – Applied Studies in Art, Science, Philosophy and Global Challenges | Expanded Museum Studies | Experimental Game Cultures | Fine Arts: Photography, Drawing & Printmaking, Site-Specific Art, Painting, Painting & Animated Film and Sculpture & Space | Stage & Film Design | Design: Applied Photography & Time-Based Media, Graphic Design, Communication Design and Fashion | Industrial Design | Conservation & Restoration, Cultural Heritage Conservation and Management | Art Education: Art & Communication Practices (Fine Arts), Design, Material Culture and Experimental Practices (Technology and Textiles) | Media Arts: Digital Arts and Transmedia Arts | Social Design – Arts as Urban Innovation | Studies in Culture and Art | Language Arts (Creative Writing) TransArts | Postgraduate and Doctoral Programmes | Artistic Research PhD Programme | NEW: Transformation Studies. Art x Science

Specials

Through exhibitions, symposia, discussion rounds on topical themes in society and diverse other events it refines the university’s profile as a site where not only artistic practice is taught but also where the results are made accessible to interested audiences. The "Angewandte" also takes part in many important scientific events and art festivals such as the Vienna Biennale, Venice Biennale, Vienna Design Week and many others. International cooperations with leading universities around the globe underline the open-minded policy of the "Angewandte". Last but not least: The "Angewandte" has become the leading competence centre in scientific and artistic research in Austria.

Angewandte Festival. The highlight of an academic year is the annual exhibition. "Angewandte Festival" showcases the origins and development processes of selected individual and group projects by students and graduates. They represent the various art departments as extraordinary idea workshops with their own unique profile.

Show Angewandte. The fashion department’s show has become one of the major events of the Viennese fashion scene. It displays the outfits of the students and graduates designed and sewn under artistic guidance of the fashion instructor. Witty or experimental, clean lines or purism – originality is a must. Not least because of the continuous high quality of presented works and numerous successful graduates, including Bless, Petar Petrov, or Wendy&Jim.