University of Bergen

Mission Statement

The Faculty of Fine Art, Music and Design, University of Bergen, is a central arena for education and development in the fields of art and design. The faculty shall cultivate new expressions in art and design, promote a high degree of competence and contribute to innovation and professional development. With a basis in a humanistic tradition, its paramount aims are academic and ethical integrity, freedom of expression and critical reflection.

International Role

The subject areas taught and researched are characterized by their international focus and orientation. As implied by these facts, international collaboration is of vital importance to the faculty. Taking part in international cooperation is common throughout the faculty also because a substantial number of staff and students are non-Norwegian. KMD plays an active role in ELIA. The former Bergen Academy of Art and Design was from 2006-2010 the coordinating institution of KUNO, a Nordic-Baltic network for cooperation within Fine Art. KMD is also active in the sister network Cirrus, which facilitates Nordic-Baltic cooperation within design and applied arts.

National Role

As a faculty providing practice based education in art and design KMD is dependent on collaboration with the professional world outside the institution. Solid relations with external partners, both private enterprises and public agencies, are established particularly within the design area. A design incubator offers work places for MA design graduates. The incubator project is financially supported by the municipality of Bergen.

Main Focus

Central aspects of the KMD study programmes: • Interdisciplinary approach • Responsibility for one’s own learning • Individual development • Professional integrity • Social engagement • Practice-based education