Founded in 1885, Kansas City Art Institute is one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges of art and design in the United States. Over the last 140 years, KCAI has cultivated generations of artists, designers and creatives pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree across thirteen different majors, including painting, ceramics, graphic design, filmmaking and creative writing. Today, KCAI encourages its students to transform the world through art and creativity, making it a natural partner for The Global Undergraduate Awards.

Located in the heart of Kansas City, KCAI offers an immersive studio-based education combining the two principles of hands-on practice and academic study. With a strong emphasis on both traditional artistry and digital innovation, KCAI equips students with the skills to thrive in a quickly evolving creative landscape.

The partnership reflects a common commitment to celebrate student excellence and build communities of future leaders. Both organisations encourage students to realise the impact of their work to transform the future, championing innovative thinking and encouraging young people to view creativity not simply as a skill, but as a force for shaping a better future. Through our international network, students gain access to opportunities that extend beyond their studies, including global recognition, interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with an international community of future leaders and changemakers.

We are excited to welcome Kansas City Art Institute into this growing global network. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of KCAI students and providing them with a platform to share their ideas, research and creative work with an international audience. We hope that together we inspire, recognise and empower the next generation of creative leaders.