Sustainability, Equity & Inclusion
Teaching the Next Generation of Creative Change-Makers
Our students explore the intersectionality of art and design and social and environmental responsibility.
Sustainability
We believe creativity thrives when it tackles real-world challenges. That’s why we empower our artists and designers to become change-makers, leading the charge towards a more sustainable future. Our students are challenged to become mindful creators, critically assessing the environmental impact of their projects and developing innovative solutions to mitigate these impacts. This focus on responsible making extends into many design students’ thesis research as they explore the intricate connection between design and our environment.
Additionally, PCA maintains a partnership with La Réserve des Arts, a non-profit organization specializing in the sale of reused materials, to ensure that our students have access to sustainably sourced materials. By embedding sustainable practices into both our curriculum and material sourcing, we equip our students with the tools needed to leverage their creativity for meaningful environmental change.
Inclusion & Equity
Simultaneously, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every member feels valued, respected, and treated fairly. We seek to incorporate diverse perspectives into our curriculum that not only acknowledge but value the contributions of different communities and cultures. We uphold equal opportunity in education and employment, prohibiting discrimination and harassment based on various characteristics protected under the law. With this in mind, we recognize that our campus climate is a continuous work in progress, relying on the active participation of all members.
While this process may involve challenging discussions and realizations, striving towards genuine inclusivity strengthens us individually and collectively, enabling us to advocate for equity and equality not only within our community but also in our creative work. We strive to be mindful of fair labor practices, social and racial justice, and inclusivity in all stages of making. Equity is demonstrated not only in our values and in conversation but in the tangible outcomes of our students’ projects and the topics they choose to explore.
Learn more about how PCA centers inclusion
Student Spotlight
How Andrea Freydig, BFA Fashion Design Student, Creates Sustainable Collections
We had a chat with BFA Fashion Design student Andrea Freydig, to learn more about the behind-the-scenes of her most recent upcycled collection and why sustainability is so essential to her work.
MA in Design for Social Impact
Join the one year master's program to develop and lead design projects that will bring positive societal changes.
MA in Design for Social Impact Blog
MDES talks about how to reduce Digital Waste
Digital waste is the CO2 produced from indirect or direct usage from any electronic device. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your digital footprint!
MDES Blog: Sustainable Lifestyle Reading List
If you’re looking for tips and tricks, and all you need to know about having a zero waste lifestyle, sustainability in your home and how to improve your consumption habits, here is a list of readings just for you!
MDES Blog: Change it Up!
These are a few ideas of things you can substitute around your house to live more sustainably.
Charlie Le Mindu x PCA collaboration
In April 2024, PCA revealed a huge collaboration with hairstylist Charlie Le Mindu involving an alumna, faculty, students and Chair of the Fashion Design Department which garnered global attention and multiple press articles.More
PCA Welcomes 7 teenagers from Going Global with Barbara
PCA welcomed 7 teenagers from the Wells International Foundation initiative "Going Global with Barbara", an International youth leadership program devoted to exposing African-American youth to the possibilities that exist through travel, normalizing the conversation around college admissions and expanding it to include...More
Certificate Student Odin Forstad presents Fashion Show
Odin Forstad, Certificate student in Fashion Design invites the PCA community to his individual Fashion Show.More
Alumna Stories: Man-Hsuan Chen
In February 2024, we caught up with Man-Hsuan, former PCA student who is in the process of obtaining her art therapist license to learn more about how her experience at PCA shaped her decision to pursue this profession.More
Book Launch of PCA faculty Anne-Marie Smith-Di Biasio
Anne-Marie Smith-Di Biasio, faculty from the Liberal Studies Department and Sorbonne Université Presses are pleased to invite you to the book launch for "Le Palimpseste mémoriel: Entendre la mémoire au fil des modernismes."More
A Conversation with TV Screenwriter, Jen Regan.
Jen Regan, LA-based television screenwriter will be our next PCA Talks speaker on April 25 at 5 pm.More
Online artist talk with Hema Toma
You’re warmly invited to an online artist talk with Hema Toma, this Wednesday, April 17th at 6pm CET. This talk is part of Maximiliano Battaglia’s course “Situating the Queer Image,” in collaboration with the Diversity & Inclusion Committee.More
Archeology of Seeing curated by Steve Bisson, Chair of Photography
The works of two masters of photography, Eugène Atget and Gabriele Basilico, have been brought together for the first time to question the representation of places.More
In The Making, 2024 graduating class End-of-Year Design Show
This end-of-year show will include work by graduating students of the Communication Design and the Fashion Design departments, as well as the graduating students of the Interior Design undegraduate and graduate degrees, Foundation and Certificate studentsMore