Our History

The Art Institute of Tucson began as the Fleur de Lis Institute of Interior Design in 1996. In 2002, the school was purchased and the name was changed to the Tucson Design College. Education Management Corporation acquired the school in 2007 and made it part of The Art Institutes, a system of more than 40 schools across North America. The Art Institutes system has provided career-oriented education programs in design, media arts, fashion, and culinary arts for over 35 years, and has more than 125,000 alumni.

Our Mission
The mission of The Art Institute of Tucson is to provide quality education that will prepare students for an entry-level position in their chosen field of study. The college offers a stimulating learning environment where committed and talented students, led by dedicated and professional faculty, can develop their creativity and increase their knowledge. The Art Institute of Tucson strives to be a leader in design and culinary arts education.

We aim to achieve the following objectives:

• Provide students with the foundation to become lifelong learners.
• Support the creative diversity of our students and share in the development of their artistic and academic potential.
• Promote student success.
• Provide academic excellence.
• Encourage mutual respect, active participation, and collaboration.
• Cultivate an environment that fosters regional, national and global awareness.
• Encourage learner responsibility.
• Teach industry-driven curricula.
• Provide excellent service to students.
• Meet the evolving needs of the marketplace.
• Encourage academic freedom of instructors in a learner-centered environment.
• Create partnerships within the community.
• Recruit qualified faculty with appropriate academic credentials and professional experience.
• Provide meaningful assistance to our graduates.
• Operate with integrity and cultivate integrity within our students.