Higher Education in Flanders

Conservation Studies (Bachelor and Master)
(several disciplines – for more information: departmental ECTS information package)

Based on a specific educational system, the program of the Antwerp ‘Koninklijke Academie voor Schone Kunsten (Royal Academy of Fine Arts), one of the oldest and most prestigious in Europe, offers a thorough, competitive and contemporary training. Starting out with a severe technical supervision of practice (to learn the profession or ‘métier’), the program focuses on individualized practice during graduate years.

The Academy’s main aim is to offer students a stimulating working environment in well equipped studio’s, where workshops are conducted by some of Belgium’s finest artists and professors. This way students can focus on their own artistic development, while being confronted with the work of their peers. As theoretical back-up is also an essential part of art education, classes in art history, contemporary art, semiotics, aesthetics, philosophy, psychology, literature, technical literature, anatomy and chemistry help students to put their artistic development into context. The focus here is critical awareness, tolerance, self-respect, ‘engagement’ and a differentiated approach to society. In the study program of Conservation and Restoration emphasis is put on the theoretical background of this discipline. Scientific training and thoroughness are highly valued, next to an artistic comprehension and interpretation. This discipline, which started only in 1993, has gained already international prestige. Art education at the Antwerp Academy is all about self-expression, critical awareness and respect; all of them necessities for what ethically can be called responsible citizenship. This kind of educational approach is considered to be the basis and motor of a larger cultural and social policy.

Since its foundation in 1663, Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts continues to be a predecessor of pluralistic and humanistic ideals.