# Braunschweig University of Art

The Braunschweig University of Art (Hochschule für Bildende Künste Braunschweig, HBK) is a public institution in Lower Saxony, Germany, recognized for its artistic and scientific excellence and the second largest fine arts college in Germany. With the authority to confer doctoral and post-doctoral degrees, HBK Braunschweig offers a diverse range of programs in fine arts, design, visual communication, art history, and media studies. The university fosters an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging collaboration across various artistic and academic disciplines. Equipped with state-of-the-art studios and laboratories, HBK Braunschweig provides an ideal environment for creative and intellectual pursuits. The institution also maintains a global perspective, offering international exchange opportunities and hosting artists and scholars from around the world.

## History

The history goes back to the “Zeichnen-Instithut” (Drawing Institute) founded by the Brunswick Business Association in 1841 and which was first led by Johannes Selenka. From that Drawing Institute, the state-approved urban “Handwerker-Kunstgewerbeschule” (Artisan Arts and Crafts School) developed via various stages, and shortly thereafter the “Meisterschule des Deutschen Handwerks” (Master School of German Craftsmanship) developed.
The real precursor of the HBK was founded in 1952: the urban Werkkunstschule Braunschweig (School of applied art). It became the Staatliche Hochschule für Bildende Künste (State College of Fine Arts) – abbreviated as SHFBK - and in 1978 it became the HBK. The SHFBK was already equated with the academic universities of Lower Saxony since 1972 and a few years later it was included in the Lower Saxony Higher Education Act as an artistic and scientific university. Since then the HBK has the right to award doctoral degrees as well as habilitation. Associated with this recognition was an extension in staff and space. In 1984, the award-winning new building of the Brunswick architects Kraemer, Sieverts & Partners was completed. A few years later, a multi-storied former factory building was rebuilt in which many of the artistic classes and workshops are housed. As a final addition, the library became an expansion which was built with parts of the dismantled Mexican pavilion from the EXPO 2000 by architect Ricardo Legorreta.
About 1,200 students are currently enrolled in the courses Media Studies (Bachelor and Master), Science of Art (Bachelor, Master and PhD), Fine Arts (Diploma), Visual Communication (Bachelor), Industrial Design (Bachelor, Master and phD), Art Education (Bachelor), as well as Performing Arts / Arts in Action (Bachelor, Master of Education) at HBK.

## Mission

The Braunschweig University of Art (HBK Braunschweig) is dedicated to fostering a dynamic environment where artistic practice, theoretical discourse, and scientific research converge. The institution emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging students and faculty to explore the intersections of art, design, and media studies. By integrating practical skills with critical analysis, HBK Braunschweig aims to cultivate creative professionals who are equipped to contribute innovatively to the cultural and academic landscapes. The university is committed to providing a comprehensive education that balances artistic expression with scholarly inquiry, preparing graduates to navigate and influence the evolving demands of the creative industries.

## Study programs

The Braunschweig University of Art (HBK Braunschweig) offers a diverse range of study programs that blend artistic practice with academic inquiry. Students can pursue degrees in Fine Arts, Art Education, Performing Arts, Design, Visual Communication, Art History, and Media Studies. The university provides approximately 5,000 square meters of workshop and laboratory space, enabling students to experiment with both traditional and innovative artistic methods. Facilities include studios for wood, metal, plastic, paper, and ceramics work, as well as labs for photography, film and video production, sound art, computer animation, and computer-aided design. This comprehensive infrastructure supports a curriculum that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of individual artistic expression.

## Facilities

The Braunschweig University of Art (HBK Braunschweig) offers a comprehensive range of study programs that integrate artistic practice with academic research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across various creative fields. The university provides approximately 5,000 square meters of workshop and laboratory space, enabling students to experiment with both traditional and innovative artistic methods. Facilities include studios for wood, metal, plastic, paper, and ceramics work, as well as labs for photography, film and video production, sound art, computer animation, and computer-aided design. This extensive infrastructure supports a curriculum that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of individual artistic expression.
The HBK Braunschweig's hallmark, its library, is housed in Mexico's former Expo Pavilion, designed by the world-renowned Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta. Every year at the end of the summer semester, the HBK Braunschweig opens its doors to the public during the Open Week, showcasing student work from all disciplines through exhibitions, presentations, discussions, lectures, film screenings, theatre productions, and performances.
This diverse array of programs and state-of-the-art facilities underscores HBK Braunschweig's commitment to providing a dynamic and supportive environment for students pursuing careers in the arts and related fields.

## Persons

Visual Arts
* Marina Abramović
* John Armleder
* Stephan Berg
* Candice Breitz
* Michael Brynntrup
* Jochen Gerz
* Asta Gröting
* Birgit Hein
* Thomas Huber
* Olav Christopher Jenssen
* Lothar Osterburg
* Thomas Rentmeister
* Rita Rohlfing
* Melati Suryodarmo
Visual Communication
* Eku Wand

## International

The Braunschweig University of Art (HBK Braunschweig) is committed to fostering an international academic environment, welcoming students, scholars, and artists from around the globe. The International Office serves as the primary point of contact for international prospective students, providing guidance and support throughout their academic journey. For international scholars, including DAAD and Erasmus participants, the International Office offers assistance with integration into the university's academic community. Additionally, the HBK Braunschweig offers the "Braunschweig Projects" scholarships, aimed at emerging artists in the fields of Fine Arts and Sound Art, providing opportunities to work intensively on artistic projects within the university's environment.