Based in deep disciplinary immersion and creative exploration, graduate study at RISD brings together students who conduct cutting-edge research, constantly ask questions and develop rewarding, hands-on relationships with materials. Extending beyond the studio and classroom, every facet of the experience helps cultivate a community of artists and designers fully committed to learning how to articulate strong concepts through close attention to process and the infinite details of creative practice.

Regardless of the discipline, certain core values and principles drive the work produced in both fine arts and design studios at RISD. Among these are:

CRITICAL MAKING

Creative practice at RISD entails a strong connection between the hand, the mind and the heart. This critical approach to making demands clear conceptual thinking, along with the skills and craftsmanship to translate ideas into beautifully executed work.

SUSTAINABILITY

Recognizing that everything an artist or designer makes impacts the planet in one way or another, RISD continues a long tradition of materials research and exploration in support of sustainable making and environmental advocacy.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

No one at RISD makes work in a vacuum. Students and faculty share a commitment to contributing to the greater good, both through their studio work and engagement with their communities. An understanding of social responsibility and public engagement informs all work produced in RISD studios.

MAKING AS RESEARCH

Although most people don’t readily speak of art schools in the same breath as research universities, in-depth research has always been essential to the development of new ideas, processes, materials and solutions—all aspects of what goes on in RISD studios. Growing recognition for the type of research artists and designers pursue is leading to interesting new partnerships between RISD and a wide range of organizations.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The ideas-driven critical thinking and making inherent to a RISD education is a natural starting point for entrepreneurial pursuits. As students learn to develop their ideas into tangible objects, systems, services and more, they often choose to capitalize on this way of thinking after graduation, whether they’re setting up self-sustaining studio practices or launching interesting startups—often creating satisfying jobs in entirely new fields.