Academy of Media Arts Cologne

About

The Academy of Media Arts Cologne (KunstHochschule für Medien Köln) is the art and film school of the state of North Rhine Westphalia. It was founded 1989 in Cologne, Germany. Notable artists and filmmakers who studied or taught at the academy include Rosa Barba, VALIE EXPORT, Karen Eliot, Marcel Odenbach, Jürgen Klauke, Phil Collins, Peter Lilienthal, Sophie Maintigneux, Julia Scher, Anthony Moore, Johannes Wohnseifer, Werner Nekes, Hans Weingartner, Jacob Kirkegaard, Sebastian Strasser, Li Yang, Beate Gütschow, Ubermorgen, Varvara & Mar, Joana Moll.

The Academy of Media Arts Cologne (Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln, KHM) was established in 1989 by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia as a new type of art institution focused on media arts. The initiative was driven by the state's Ministry of Science and Research, aiming to create an interdisciplinary educational model that integrated art, film, and media theory. The academy officially commenced operations on October 15, 1990, enrolling 25 students in a postgraduate diploma program titled "Audiovisual Media." In 1994, the institution expanded its offerings to include an undergraduate diploma program in the same field. Both programs were restructured and renamed "Mediale Künste" (Media Arts) in 2010. The undergraduate program spans nine semesters, while the postgraduate program covers four semesters. In 2004, KHM introduced a doctoral program (Dr. phil.) focusing on the intersection of artistic inquiry and academic research.

Initially, the academy operated from temporary facilities at the Overstolzenhaus and Peter-Welter-Platz 2. Over the years, it expanded into multiple buildings around Peter-Welter-Platz and Filzengraben. In late 2005, KHM consolidated its operations into a new complex at Filzengraben. The location strategy emphasized maintaining a central urban presence in Cologne. In March 2024, the academy further expanded by acquiring additional space at Heumarkt 14, solidifying its presence in Cologne's city center.

The Academy of Media Arts Cologne (KHM) offers interdisciplinary programs in media and fine arts, structured as diploma courses rather than traditional bachelor's or master's degrees. The primary programs include:

Duration: 9 semesters Structure: The initial three semesters focus on foundational studies in theory, artistic practice, and scientific areas. Semesters four to nine concentrate on individual artistic emphases, primarily anchored in the departments of ExMedia, film/television, and art. Degree Equivalence: The Diploma in Media Arts is internationally comparable to a Master of Fine Arts (MFA).

Duration: 4 semesters Structure: This program is designed for students with prior academic or professional experience in the arts. It emphasizes intensive supervision of project work, discussions with mentors, and a variety of optional classes and lectures.

Degree: Dr. phil. in the field of art and media studies Focus: The program combines artistic inquiry with academic research, aiming to produce new insights at the intersection of art and science.

Animation / 3D Animation / Games Cinematography / Editing Screenwriting / Dramaturgy / Literary Writing Experimental Film / Video Art Artistic Photography Sound Art Creative Producing / TV Formats / Live Direction Art and Media Studies Public Art / Performance / Installation Politics of Networks and Devices / Interface / Code Directing for Feature and Documentary Film

Application Period: Mid-October to January/February for the winter semester Requirements: Submission of artistic work samples (e.g., videos, photographs, texts) and an essay interpreting a given theme Language: Courses are primarily conducted in German; proficiency at the B2 level is expected for non-native speakers

Adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). Photography via Wikimedia Commons.