Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts

The Academy of Fine Arts (ASP) in Krakow is the oldest university of the arts in Poland. It was established under Statutes of the Jagiellonian University in October 1818. Initially, it functioned as an institute called the Academy of Fine Arts within the Literature Department at the Faculty of Philosophy of the Jagiellonian University. In 1826, ASP was removed from under a supervision of the Dean of the Literature Department and transferred under a direct supervision of the Rector of the Jagiellonian University. Soon, first directors, selected from amongst ASP professors, stood at the Academy's helm: first Józef Peszka, followed by Józef Brodowski, an initiator of the concept of creating the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, which was crucial for establishing the academy. Apart from Professors Peszka and Brodowski, who taught painting and drawing, in 1818–1833 the most important role at the Academy was played by sculptors, Józef Riedlinger, and his successor Józef Schmelzer. The Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow continues to develop in terms of its structure, staff, and directions and methods of studies. It remains faithful to its own splendid tradition, and at the same time, it is open to challenges and needs of modern days. Nowadays, the Academy provides education at seven faculties: Faculty of Painting, Faculty of Sculpture, Faculty of Graphic Arts, Faculty of Interior Design, Faculty of Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art, Faculty of Industrial Design and Faculty of Intermedia.