The PICA Ethos: A Parisian Crucible for Global Minds
Established in the dynamic heart of the 15th arrondissement, at the esteemed address of 26 Rue Castagnary, Paris International College of Art (PICA) is more than just an educational institution; it is a philosophy. We are strategically situated in a district that balances Parisian historical gravitas with a forward-looking, innovative spirit, placing us at the nexus of European culture and technological progression. PICA was founded on the radical premise that the most profound advancements in the 21st century would emerge not from singular specialisation, but from the rigorous, ethical, and creative fusion of seemingly disparate fields: Art, Science, and Economics.
Our integrated academic structure offers a rare continuum of learning, encompassing a highly selective High School programme (Lycée), challenging Undergraduate degrees (Licence/Bachelor), and advanced Postgraduate studies (Master/PhD). This composite model is deliberately designed to foster interdisciplinary fluency from the earliest stages of academic development, ensuring our graduates are not just adaptable, but fundamentally catalytic in their respective industries.
Our Vision: Redefining the Creative Leader
Our vision transcends the traditional definition of an artist or a scientist. We aim to cultivate “Polymathic Leaders”—individuals who possess the aesthetic sensibility to observe and interpret the world, the analytical rigour to solve complex problems, and the economic literacy to enact scalable, sustainable change. In an era defined by rapid technological and ecological shifts, PICA provides the intellectual toolkit necessary to navigate ambiguity and design futures that are both technologically sound and ethically informed.
The PICA experience is inherently shaped by its Parisian location. We view Paris not merely as a backdrop, but as an indispensable partner in our pedagogy. The city’s rich history of artistic innovation, its status as a global financial hub, and its commitment to public life and urban design are woven into the fabric of our curriculum. Our students frequently engage in field work with cultural institutions like the Louvre and the Centre Pompidou, alongside design partnerships with Parisian luxury ateliers and tech start-ups in Station F, providing unparalleled, real-world context for their academic pursuits.
The PICA Faculty and Community
The core strength of PICA lies in its faculty—a collective of internationally recognised practitioners, award-winning scholars, and industry pioneers. They are recruited not only for their exceptional expertise but for their dedication to interdisciplinary teaching and mentorship. Our professors challenge students to think critically across boundaries, guiding them to connect the formal language of visual art with the algorithms of computational science, or the principles of sustainable architecture with the complexities of global supply chain economics.
As a relatively young yet deeply ambitious institution, we acknowledge a certain striving, an industrious imperfection in our constant pursuit of excellence. We are not burdened by centuries of rigid tradition; rather, we are energised by the continuous process of reinvention. Our community is fiercely international, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of Paris itself, creating a vibrant, yet intimate, intellectual ecosystem where constructive critique and intellectual humility are paramount. At PICA, we believe the capacity to acknowledge complexity—even doubt—is the true hallmark of a sophisticated thinker.
Our Core Values
- Interdisciplinarity: The deliberate fusion of art, technology, and economic thought in all programmes.
- Rigor and Craft: A commitment to the meticulous development of both technical skill and intellectual depth.
- Global Citizenship: Fostering a critical understanding of transnational issues and ethical responsibility in design and enterprise.
- Innovation with Integrity: Pioneering creative solutions that are grounded in ethical considerations and sustainable practice.
- Aesthetic Intelligence: Cultivating the ability to perceive, interpret, and shape the world with beauty and clarity.