Foundation International Design Academy Aruba
The Foundation International Design Academy Aruba has a mission to strengthen and innovate Aruba’s creative landscape. The foundation is committed to using art, culture, and design as tools for talent development, social engagement, and economic growth.
The activities of the Design Academy are built on four pillars:
Talent Development:
Young people with creative talents are prepared for the international job market through education and training programs, thereby professionalizing the art and culture sector in Aruba.
Cultural Stimulation:
By organizing workshops and providing greater visibility for local work, the foundation promotes art and culture, strengthens Aruba’s cultural heritage, and stimulates the island’s cultural identity.
Social Engagement:
(Vulnerable) youth are guided through creative projects that help boost their self-confidence, social skills, and opportunities for professional growth.
Economic Empowerment:
The Design Academy supports local entrepreneurs and startups in the creative sector through coaching and by fostering connections between education and industry, which promotes sustainable production and increases the international visibility of Aruban design.
The Design Academy collaborates with the government, educational institutions, and the private sector, fostering stronger cooperation within Aruba’s cultural ecosystem. Its multidisciplinary teaching team—comprising artists, designers, engineers, healthcare professionals, and certified educators—ensures an optimal balance between art, culture, education, and care.
The Design Academy aims to inspire students to develop their talents, explore their creativity, think critically, and build self-confidence, enabling them to make valuable contributions to art and culture both in Aruba and internationally.