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Reimagine Everything

Explore and experiment in the creative heart of Portland
Portland, OR

PNCA students graduate with incredible portfolios that set them apart in the arts and design fields. The direct impact of mentorship, internships, and a focus on career outcomes leads to exciting opportunities with top brands like Nike and Adobe and participation in leading arts exhibitions like the Whitney Biennial or the Venice Biennale. Our students are shaping the future of art and design in successful careers.

Student Success

Subin Yang’s Story

Subin Yang BFA’17 is an illustrator whose vibrant, mission-driven work has shaped campaigns for Google and Instagram. At PNCA, she honed her unique style and found mentorship that inspired her career blending art with social impact, including collaborations with Amnesty International and Chobani.

Read Subin’s Story
Subin Yang's work - Animation
Subin Yang's work
Subin Yang BFA’17 uses vibrant illustrations to explore cultural narratives and create impactful work for global brands and organizations committed to social change.

At PNCA, many of our students dive into real-world internships during their junior and senior years, and  also take part in our exciting study abroad programs. These transformative experiences and opportunities, combined with a supportive community and faculty, equip our students with the skills to thrive in the professional world. 

Inspiring Experiences

Crimson's Story

Crimson Ravarra BFA’24 approached PNCA with openness and enthusiasm, taking on every opportunity to be challenged creatively. During their summer internship at the Portland Institute of Contemporary Art they were able to contribute to the renowned Time-Based Arts Festival; and their experience was expanded yet again with a semester in the United Kingdom at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham.

Read Crimson's Story
Crimson in studio
crimson working in gallery
“Having such distinct, difficult yet rewarding experiences leading into one another has shifted the way in which I engage and critique institutions,” Crimson says. “I returned changed, navigating growth I was just catching up to.”

At the creative heart of Portland, PNCA is a center for communities of artists, designers, and scholars. Our students are supported by incredible mentors and faculty, and have the opportunity to expand their perspective with visiting artists. PNCA presents more free public programs and exhibitions in a given year than any other arts institution in the city. From our Symposium to our Visiting Artist Lecture and Exhibition series, PNCA is setting the tone in Portland.

Community Events

First Thursdays

PNCA hosts First Thursday Art Walks in the North Park Blocks, celebrating Portland’s vibrant creative culture. These events bring together local artists, businesses, and craftspeople through engaging public programming. By serving as a hub for cultural exchange, PNCA reinforces its role as a cornerstone of artistic and community engagement in Portland.

Our Upcoming First Thursday
First Thursday guests at PNCA campus
A PNCA student at First Thursday
We come from many different places and cultures, and we’re all here because we live and breathe art and design.

Our programs

Explore PNCA

Discover how you can turn knowledge into action through our undergraduate and graduate programs, or take a closer look at what it’s like to live and learn in the Pacific Northwest.
student in the printmaking studio
Visit Our Campus

A visit is the best way to immerse yourself in our vibrant campus and city. Come by for a campus tour, and an admissions counselor will help review your portfolio ahead of your application.

pnca main campus