Foundation in Art, Design, & Photography
Artwork by Sophie Taricone, Foundation student.
Complete your Foundation year!
Applications for Fall 2026 are open!
The success of our program comes from embracing the people who are here—right here, right now. With a constantly evolving curriculum, we adapt to the unique talents and perspectives of our students. Our faculty and students come from all corners of the globe, bringing a rich diversity of experiences that fuels an extraordinary and dynamic learning environment.
At Paris College of Art, the city itself becomes your classroom. Our program goes beyond the studio, drawing inspiration from the vibrant world around us. This “extended classroom” approach uses the cultural and artistic energy of Paris to spark creativity and fuel your learning. The Foundation Year is diagnostic—it helps you understand your personal strengths while guiding your creative path. With events and workshops tailored to each field of study, you’ll gain valuable insight into every discipline PCA offers, allowing you to discover your true passion.
Our Foundation Year helps students discover their strengths in Art, Design, and Photography, guiding them toward creative careers in fields like Communication Design, Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Interior Design, and Photography. With a cross-disciplinary approach, students are encouraged to take risks, embrace new perspectives, and build confidence in expressing their ideas. Through hands-on work across mediums—drawing, photography, design, video, 3D forms—they gain the skills to be flexible and innovative. Blending diverse cultural insights, our program fosters deep thinking about the limitless impact artists and designers can have on the world.
Key Features of the Foundation program
- Exploration Across Disciplines: The Foundation Year allows you to experiment with a variety of art forms—fine arts, fashion, graphic design, photography, sculpture, and more—before deciding your area of focus. This flexibility is perfect for students who want to explore their creative options.
- World-Class Mentorship: You’ll learn from experienced professors and industry professionals who provide invaluable guidance, helping you refine your skills and build a strong portfolio.
- Creative Community in Paris: Studying in Paris, a global hub for art, fashion, and design, means endless inspiration from the city’s rich cultural landscape. You’ll be surrounded by museums, galleries, and creative professionals who can influence and shape your work.
- Global Perspective: At PCA, you’ll collaborate with an international community of students from diverse backgrounds. This cross-cultural exchange fosters a broader understanding of art and design, preparing you to thrive in a global creative industry.
- Portfolio Development: The Foundation Year is focused on helping you build a solid portfolio that reflects your evolving artistic voice, a crucial step whether you’re pursuing further studies or launching your career.
- Flexible Pathways: This year gives you time to discover your strengths and interests, enabling you to make informed decisions about your creative future—whether you choose fine arts, design, communication arts, or other creative disciplines.
Outcomes and testimonials
By joining PCA’s Foundation program, you’ll gain a global perspective, study in the heart of one of the world’s most creative cities, and connect with a diverse network of industry professionals.
Foundation year at PCA actually completely changed my major. When I started I was a Fine Arts student, but after taking classes in the darkroom I completely fell in love with photography. I’d literally never done photography before.
– Kirsten Franks, Foundation student