The Department of Art & Design was started as a University College of Textile Designing for women in 1982. It was a progressive idea in the context of Higher Education in AJK, meant to provide advanced options of professional development for a merchandized segment of society at that time. The B.F.A. (four-year) classes were started in 2005 and disciplines of Visual Communication Design, Textile Designing, and Painting were introduced. The BFA program is conducted under the semester system comprising eight semesters. A unique feature of this program is that it represents a balanced blend of classical and modern trends, theoretical and practical knowledge related to the field of Art and Design. The following three disciplines have been introduced:

• Painting
• Textile Design
• Visual Communication Design

The Department of Art and Design welcomes students who wish to collaborate within their immediate areas as well as embrace regional or worldwide opportunities in various fields of art. Diverse subjects like graphic and digital arts, textile design, printing, fashion designing, painting, photography, sculpture, and art history are taught by recognized experts, designers, and artists. The department has great potential to expand into diverse fields and subjects relevant to the present-day market. It has been set up to provide students with the best academic experience to meet the challenges of practical life in the relevant field.

Art & Design students have considerable access to facilities they need to create, learn, and excel in their studies. Whether a student needs to learn communication tools, develop sculpture, print fabric, or prepare a final project for review, the department has resources to help. The Rota print machine— a traditional printing press studio — provides students access to state-of-the-art equipment including two-color printers, cutters, etc. Students can also use cameras, multimedia, and computer services from relevant faculty members. Academic advice is available directly from instructors. Networking with fellow students, faculty, alumni, and professionals is also encouraged through departmental platforms. Internship opportunities are available in media, fashion, and advertising agencies.

The Department of Art and Design promotes a collaborative culture at all levels — across disciplines, among faculty, staff, students, and with other regional universities. The department carries out joint activities such as exhibitions and poster campaigns with various AJK Government Departments to address cultural and social issues.

The department celebrates various cultural events with unique expressions, incorporating awareness and respect for local traditions. These events enrich the intellectual environment and reinforce youth commitment to promoting national identity. The department works with AJK Government Departments to promote cultural heritage and raise awareness of its importance.

Students of Art and Design participate in national-level events and professional tasks, which help build their confidence and offer practical market experience. Students intern with textile mills, advertising agencies, media outlets, art galleries, cultural academies, government departments, and tourism and archaeology sectors. The department organizes workshops and seminars in collaboration with AJK TEVTA, ECO, and PNCA. An MoU has been signed with MINTEX (Ministry of Textile Industry, GOP) to support local artisans and promote Kashmiri art and craft in the international market. Several exhibitions have been conducted in collaboration with TDAP (Trade Development Authority Pakistan). MoUs have also been signed with PIFD (Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design) and SDC (Skill Development Council, Islamabad).

Graduates of Art and Design develop a range of practical and creative skills, including participation in exhibitions and competitions and building professional portfolios. These experiences help students secure internships and jobs. Interns and graduates link with advertising agencies, textile industries such as Sitara Textiles, Kohinoor Textile Mills Ltd, Al Meezan Arts, Digital Print Zone, and art galleries. Jobs directly related to this degree include:

• Advertising Art Director
• Textile Designer
• Commercial Art Gallery Manager
• Exhibition Designer
• Fine Artist
• Graphic Designer
• Museum/Gallery Officer
• Printmaker
• Art Teacher
• Instructor in Small Industries
• Art Historian
• Culture Preservationist

This degree also opens doors to other roles such as Animator, Arts Administrator, Concept Artist, and Interior/Spatial Designer. Fine Arts graduates contribute significantly in the fields of education, publications, media, and advertising. The textile and fashion industries depend heavily on design expertise. In today’s competitive age, strong design skills can dominate the market. Graduates can also establish their own commercial art and design studios or businesses. Many employers accept graduates from any discipline, so opportunities are not limited to the jobs listed above.

Entrepreneur and Job Opportunities: Students specializing in graphic design have availed paid internships and job roles in leading organizations such as Haza Institute of Technology (Islamabad), Imarat Group of Companies, Anzo Marketing, Zeus Media, Andromeda, and SAP Communications Islamabad.

Phone: +92-5822-962328
Email: arts@ajku.edu.pk