The college is a vibrant community of artists, writers and designers dedicated to unlocking the creative potential of individuals. It is a charitable trust at the forefront of arts education in the UK.

Our aim is to give you the skills to express your creative talents. Our inexpensive, arts-based courses are structured, progressive, practical and pleasurable. Our 300 tutors are all practising artists/designers or writers. We foster individual creativity, developing technical expertise and stimulating critical awareness.

Studying at OCA is more than just about developing personal skills, it’s also a great opportunity to be involved in a community of like-minded individuals. Fellow artists, photographers, writers and musicians are always willing to share views and we encourage students to participate. You may be invited to a joint tutorial or to put on an exhibition.

OCA also organises workshops and exhibitions and hosts events in its own gallery space in Yorkshire. In the past year, for example, events sponsored or hosted by OCA included The Exodus Art Auction; the Changing Lives exhibition at the Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh; numerous workshops hosted by OCA tutors throughout Britain; the OCA Students' National Exhibition, and a four-day drawing workshop at the Sir John Soane’s Museum in London.

You will have opportunities to meet and share your work with others or to visit places of interest. There are a number of ways in which OCA helps you to participate in the exciting world of art.
Read about OCA's History.