Art Center (Europe)

Art Center (Europe) opened in the fall of 1986 with 39 students from 13 countries. It offered a preparatory program, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design, and a Bachelor of Science in Product Design and Transportation Design. The school closed just before its tenth anniversary in March 1996. During the 10 years of its operation, more than 500 students graduated from the European campus

Chronology: [Compiled from “History and Highlights” in Series 9 – Public Relations]

1981-1983 At the initiative of European industry and business, Art Center began researching the feasibility of establishing a European campus. The Château de Sully at La Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland was selected as the future home of Art Center (Europe).

1984 Interim offices established in nearby Vevey, Switzerland.

1985 December David Brown appointed third President of Art Center.

1986 Senior Vice President of Art Center, Joseph R. Henry, appointed Director of Art Center (Europe). Initial ten-year lease signed on the Château de Sully. A Committee of Advisors established to advise on the educational program.

1986 October 6 Art Center (Europe) opened its doors to the first 39 students from 13 countries. Uwe Bahnsen, Vice President of design at Ford of Europe, is appointed Education Director.

1987 Completion of farm building with studios and workshop. The first Transportation Design workshop held at the Geneva International Motor Show and becomes an annual event. First scholarships awarded to three students from new Scholarship Fund.

1988 Publication of three brochures View, Involvement and Catalog aimed at promoting Art Center (Europe).

1989 Accreditation granted by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

1989 August 12 First graduation held with guest speaker Camillo Pagano, Executive Vice President of Nestle.

1990 Joseph R. Henry retires. Uwe Bahnsen appointed Director.

1991 New photography studio and Graphic Production laboratory opened.

1992 First Art Center (Europe) Alumni Reunion.

1994 Art Center (Europe) and Art Center joint Alumni Reunion held at the American Centre in Paris.

1995 Uwe Bahnsen retires. John Littlewood, former Advertising Department Chair at Art Center, appointed Director. An aggressive fundraising and recruitment campaign is put into operation.

1996 March Art Center and the Board of Trustees announce withdrawal of all fiscal support of Art Center (Europe), forcing the school to close its doors at the end of the spring term.