Blog

Our Story, Mission & Vision

The Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography opened its doors in January 2003 in a quaint historic building on Dorp Street, however due to rapidly expanding application numbers soon had to relocate to Techno Park, the innovation hub of Stellenbosch. This has been our home ever since.

In just a short period of time, the Academy became one of the leading, tertiary creative institutions in South Africa winning numerous awards both nationally and internationally.

Our Academic team, led by Dr Ian Marley, are highly educated and experienced within their fields, offering the best instruction and inspiration this country has to offer.

Our graduate attributes are vital for graduates to acquire the most sought after jobs in the industry. We strive to develop individuals who will graduate as: Critical Thinkers: Creative Innovators: Reliable Researchers: Astute Strategists: Problem Solvers: Compelling Communicators: Responsible Citizens: and Effective Negotiators.

Mission Statement

As a private Higher Educational Institution, the Academy is committed to providing students with an exceptional learning environment, a world-class curriculum and a solid foundation upon which to build a successful
professional future in the visual communication industry.

At the Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography we aim to nurture and grow the world’s best creatives; people who can think in new ways and find solutions to problems, be they communications-based or otherwise. We believe that harnessed properly, creativity can and will change the world for the better. And we aim, everyday, to create the right environment for this creativity to flourish.

Cultivating creative futures brings this all together. Not only the futures of our students through their choices and hard work at the Academy, but also the positive impact of creativity within our society and broader environment.

Vision

Our vision is to build towards a self-sustaining, landmark higher educational institution that consistently develops graduates who are highly motivated critical thinkers and innovators who use all forms of visual communication to positively impact our economic, social and environmental spheres within local, national and global surroundings.