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Ringling College of Art and Design

Ringling College of Art and Design is a private, not-for-profit college located in Sarasota, Florida, exclusively dedicated to the study of art and design. Situated on a lush, 48-acre campus near the Gulf of Mexico, it is widely recognized as one of the premier institutions for digital media and visual arts in the world. The college offers a rigorous, studio-based curriculum that prepares students to be "ethical practitioners and global citizens" in the creative industries. With a focus on high-end technology and professional practice, Ringling has become a major pipeline for top-tier studios like Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks, and Electronic Arts.

The college was founded in 1931 during the Great Depression by Dr. Ludd M. Spivey, then president of Southern College, in collaboration with the circus magnate John Ringling. It was originally established as a remote branch of Southern College called the School of Fine and Applied Art of the John and Mable Ringling Art Museum. The school began with just 75 students and 13 faculty members, operating under strict social rules where students attended daily chapel and required permission to leave town. In 1933, the school became an independent nonprofit institution and was renamed the Ringling School of Art. It eventually achieved full accreditation in 1979 and officially changed its name to the Ringling College of Art and Design in 2007 to reflect its comprehensive and evolving curriculum.

Ringling College of Art and Design stands as a global leader in visual storytelling and creative technology, bridging the gap between traditional fine arts and the modern digital economy. By maintaining a balance between technical mastery and liberal arts inquiry, the college ensures that its graduates are not just skilled laborers, but visionary leaders in their respective fields. Its historic ties to the Ringling circus legacy have evolved into a future-focused institution that defines the standard for animation, game art, and motion design. For any student looking to enter the highest levels of the entertainment or design industries, Ringling remains a premier and world-class choice.

College Profile

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University Name Ringling College of Art and Design
Year Established 1931
Governing Type Private (Not for Profit)
Student Body Co-education
Highest Degree Bachelors
Campus Type Urban

Location

The college is located in Sarasota, Florida. Find the address and map of the college below.

Address 2700 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, Florida, United States

Contact

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Phone 941-351-5100
Website Ringling College of Art and Design Website
Email Click here to send email

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Information on Ringling College of Art and Design was last updated on March 01, 2026.

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