In 2024, the oldest art educational institution in the Kuban, the Krasnodar Art School, celebrates its 113th anniversary. The first initiative to create the school came from the famous Yekaterinodar artist Roman Ivanovich Kolesnikov, and in 1909, the initiative was continued by the founder of the Yekaterinodar Art Gallery, Fyodor Akimovich Kovalenko, who received support from the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg, where I.E. Repin personally contributed.
Students are trained in three main areas: "Painting (by Types)," "Design (by Industry)," and "Theatrical and Decorative Painting," with all specialties receiving additional pedagogical education. Over its long history, the art school has graduated many renowned and successful artists, painters, designers, and teachers who contribute to the welfare of the Kuban and the entire country. A large part of the members of the Krasnodar Union of Artists graduated from the Krasnodar Art School at different times. Remarkably, many former students are now teachers themselves, working in art schools and institutions in Krasnodar, Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other cities.
The traditional method of preparing young artists remains a priority at the Krasnodar Art School. Mastering academic programs in drawing, painting, and composition is mandatory. The institution sees its main goal as providing students with solid foundational knowledge to help realize their own ideas and creative projects in the future.
One of the defining principles of education is the emphasis on continuity and the preservation of the traditions of the Russian school of painting and Russian academic art education. The school's teachers believe these traditions remain timeless, providing students with a strong base for a career in the creative professions in today’s fast-paced and technological world.
Alongside the educational process, the school has an active creative life. Exhibitions of works by teachers and students are held in exhibition halls of the city, region, and Russia. Active participation and victories in international, all-Russian, regional, and city competitions highlight the high quality of education and the development of creative young students.
The annual defense of diploma projects showcases the first creative achievements and professionalism of young artists in the Kuban’s art world. The best diploma and creative works of students are preserved and form the "golden" fund of the institution.