
1000 Lenora Street, Seattle, WA 98121, USA


Cornish College of the Arts was established in 1914 by Nellie Cornish, an educator committed to integrating arts education with a spirit of innovation and collaboration. The college began with a focus on providing comprehensive training in music, dance, and theater, reflecting Cornish's belief in the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the arts. Throughout its history, the institution has maintained a dedication to nurturing creative expression while adapting to the evolving cultural landscape of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Originally housed in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, the college expanded its programs and facilities over the decades, continually updating its curriculum to meet contemporary artistic standards and student needs. This adaptability has allowed Cornish College of the Arts to develop a reputation as a vibrant hub for artists and performers, encouraging experimentation alongside classical training.
The college's history is also marked by its response to broader social changes, integrating diverse artistic disciplines and perspectives as part of its educational mission. This has helped maintain its relevance and appeal to prospective students seeking a rigorous, progressive arts education in a dynamic urban environment.
Cornish College of the Arts offers a variety of specialized faculties and departments tailored to students pursuing careers in the arts. The institution is organized into key areas that emphasize both individual artistic development and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The college houses departments in visual arts, including painting, drawing, and sculpture, providing students with comprehensive training in traditional and contemporary techniques. Additionally, the school offers programs in design fields such as graphic design and photography, enabling students to explore creative problem-solving through visual communication.
In performing arts, students can specialize in music composition, contemporary music performance, dance, and theater, supported by extensive resources and faculty expertise. These departments focus on nurturing technical skills alongside creative expression, preparing students for diverse artistic careers.
Furthermore, the college incorporates academic study with practical experience, promoting a curriculum that encourages artistic innovation while grounding students in critical thinking and cultural context. This structure allows learners to engage deeply with their chosen disciplines while benefiting from cross-disciplinary perspectives.
Cornish College of the Arts is situated at 1000 Lenora Street in Seattle, Washington, within the western part of the city. Seattle is a significant urban center known for its vibrant arts scene, which complements the college's focus on creative disciplines. The campus location places students close to cultural venues and galleries, enriching their educational experience.
Students traveling to and from the college have convenient access to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, facilitating both domestic and international connections. The area is well-served by public transportation and offers proximity to numerous amenities and services that support student life.
Cornish College of the Arts is dedicated to fostering a vibrant environment where creativity and rigorous artistic practice intersect. The institution's mission emphasizes cultivating a diverse community of artists who engage deeply with their disciplines while exploring interdisciplinary connections. It seeks to empower students to develop their individual voices, encouraging innovation alongside technical mastery.
The vision of the college centers on nurturing adaptable artists prepared to contribute meaningfully to evolving cultural landscapes. It aspires to be a leader in arts education by blending tradition with experimentation, thereby equipping students for dynamic careers in the arts and related fields. Overall, Cornish College of the Arts focuses on an educational experience that combines professional preparation with personal artistic growth, supporting students as they shape their futures and impact society through their creative work.
Name of the institution
Cornish College of the ArtsLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
Under 1,000School type
Four-year collegeMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1914
Bachelor's degree
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Architectural History and Criticism
Data not availableDance
$16,591Design and Applied Arts
$27,553Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
$25,955Environmental Design
Data not availableFilm/Video and Photographic Arts
Data not availableFine and Studio Arts
$27,359Graphic Communications
Data not availableMusic
Data not available