NSCAD University, also known as the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, is a post-secondary art school in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. It was founded in 1887 by Anna Leonowens and later became the first degree-granting art school in Canada.Under the presidency of Garry Kennedy, who led the school for 23 years from 1967, NSCAD rose to international prominence as a cutting-edge centre for artistic innovation and political art. Currently the university is forging relationships with galleries, museums and other cultural institutions in Canada and around the world.History19th centuryThe university opened in the Union Building in 1887. It was founded by Anna Leonowens (of Anna and the King of Siam fame). It was originally called the Victoria School of Art and Design to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. It moved to the Halifax Academy in 1890.20th centuryIn 1903 the school moved to the old National School. It was renamed to the Nova Scotia College of Art in 1925 under the leadership of its president Dr. Frederick Sexton.One of the notable artists to be associated with the school in its early years was Arthur Lismer, who was a member of the Group of Seven and spent several years as the school president.In 1957 the school moved into the former St. Andrew's United Church on Coburg Road. A modern 5-storey addition was constructed in 1968.
