When did the name change from the Southwest Craft Center?
The name was changed to Southwest School of Art & Craft in 1998 in order to better reflect the mission of the institution. The board decided to use both “art” and “craft” in the name to clearly indicate the comprehensiveness of the curriculum, which includes both contemporary and traditional art forms and stresses both creative expression and technical excellence.
 
How many students do you have?
We enroll 4,000 students for classes on campus, including two hundred talented teenagers who were enrolled in the adult program last year. Last year's attendance at art classes we taught throughout the community in schools and at social service agencies exceeded 40,000.
 
How many people visit the campus each year?
About 210,000 people participate in events at the school annually. They are children and adult students; local, regional and international visitors to the historic site and museum; art lovers viewing exhibitions; families enjoying the annual Fiesta Arts Fair or other campus events; patrons of the Copper Kitchen Cafe; individuals and businesess renting facilities for celebrations or meetings; and collectors visiting the Gallery Shop.
 
Are there other places like the Southwest School of Art & Craft?
Yes, but none quite as large. We are unique because of our comprehensive adult studio program as well as our children’s program (both on- and off-campus) which is the largest visual arts program for youth in Texas. We are also unique because we teach so many art forms – traditional and contemporary - and present a respected exhibition program.
 
Can students earn a degree?
The Southwest School of Art & Craft offers a Certificate Program to students who follow a thorough study program, and students can earn re-certification credits or college credit from other institutions here. Most faculty hold advanced degrees and are qualified to teach at the college and university level, and our facilities are large, sophisticated, and often exceed those available at many colleges.
 
How is the Southwest School involved in the community?
Last year we were involved at over 60 different schools and social service organizations – mostly in low income areas of San Antonio - through our Mobile Arts Program. Attendance at our MAP art classes is about 40,000/year. In addition, we partner with numerous civic and school groups for collaborative activities.
 
When was the old Ursuline Convent and Academy built?
The Ursuline Convent and Academy was founded in 1851 and was the first school for girls in San Antonio. It operated at this location until 1965, when the site was abandoned and the Ursuline Order opened a new school on the north side. In 1971, the Southwest School of Art & Craft moved to the buildings and grounds of the old Ursuline campus. The buildings are now on the National Register of Historic Places.
 
When was it restored?
Restoration and preservation began in 1971, but is a constant work-in-progress. To cite only recent examples, in 2005-2006, all the second floor porches were completely rebuilt. The clock tower was re-built and restored in 2006; the Priest's House underwent major work in 2007 that included new flooring throughout and a complete re-working of the stone exterior. The art school estimates that it has spent about $20 million in historic maintance and renovations since it took over the site.
 
What is the annual operating budget?
The annual operating budget is just over $3,000,000; in addition, capital expenditures in the last decade have totaled approximately $6,000,000.
 
How are you funded?
The Southwest School of Art & Craft is a 501( c ) 3 nonprofit institution. Revenue comes from a variety of sources. Approximately 50% of annual revenue is earned income (from tuition and fees, rentals, etc.) while 50% is memberships, contributions, and fundraising events. Only about 7% of the annual operating revenue comes from government sources.
 
How many employees do you have?
The School has 32 full time employees and 40 permanent part time employees. In addition, we hire approximately 150 – 200 artist-teachers annually as independent contractors.
 
When did the Navarro campus open?
The Navarro campus opened in 1998. With its opening, the size and scope of the school's operations and programming more than doubled. We believe that we are among the largest community-based art schools in the U.S.