Academy of Fine Arts Celebrates 60 Years of Existence

Ljubljana, 14 September

The Ljubljana Academy of Fine Arts (ALU) celebrates 60 years of existence this year. Since it was founded in 1945 as the Academy of Visual Arts, 2,933 students attended its classes to date. Its first dean was the acclaimed Slovenian artist Bozidar Jakac.

The regular studies at the Academy were from the start supplemented by specialist studies, starting with the 2-year course on painting, sculpture and graphics in 1947.
The special course on restoration was the next to be introduced. Its first students began their courses in 1954.
The size of the Academy has grown over the years. As more and more students enrolled, the institution had to look for new premises.
In 1959, the ALU was moved to the Vrtaca primary school, which at that time was no longer used for teaching children.
As the move still did not allow all of the students to be taught in the same building, an extension was built next to the school and since 1962 most of Academy's administration and teaching activities were carried out under the same roof.
The Academy changed its name to today's Academy of Fine Arts in 1963, while its gallery was opened in 1962, to commemorate the approaching 20th anniversary of the institution.
The gallery, which currently hosts three collections, namely "The 20th Century Art", "Professors" and "Collection of Prints", was refurbished in 1999.
The ALU became a member of the University of Ljubljana (then known as the University of Edvard Kardelj) in 1975.
The department of design was established in 1984, while the restoration department became an independent part of the Academy in 1996. In the same year the post-graduate studies on all departments were changed from specialist to master's studies.
Currently, the Academy teaches its students at three different locations in Ljubljana.
The ALU of today has four departments, offering sculpture, painting, design and restoration courses.
There is another renaming in store for the Academy. The proposed new name, The Academy of Fine Arts and Design was already passed by the University Senate and is pending approval of the parliament.

Academy of Fine Arts Celebrates 60 Years of Existence

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