Limerick School of Art and Design

Summary

Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD) is a distinguished constituent college of the Technological University of the Shannon, situated in Limerick, Ireland. Established in 1852, it has evolved into a leading institution in fine art, design, and creative media education. With campuses in Limerick City, Clonmel, and Athlone, LSAD offers diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across Fine Art and Education, Design, Digital Arts and Media, and Midlands Media and Design. The school is committed to fostering creativity, innovation, and critical thinking.

History

The origins trace back to 1852 when the School of Ornamental Art was established at the Leamy Institute in Limerick. Initially offering instruction in drawing and modelling, the school aimed to provide education in art applicable to manufacturing and decoration. Despite early challenges, including a closure in 1855 due to funding issues, the institution reopened later that year under the auspices of the Limerick Athenaeum, a centre of learning open to all, irrespective of class or creed.

In the early 20th century, the school underwent several relocations and expansions. By 1911, the Municipal Technical Institute was established on O’Connell Avenue, known locally as the ‘Red Tech’. However, it faced significant disruption during the Irish War of Independence, leading to its closure from 1919 to 1923. Upon reopening, the MTI continued to serve as a hub for technical education in Limerick. In 1962, the School of Art relocated to the former County Infirmary and Nurses’ Home on Mulgrave Street, now known as Limerick College of Further Education. Despite this move, the school continued to grow, and by the mid-1970s, space constraints became evident. In 1980, the institution was reconstituted as the Limerick School of Art and Design under the newly formed College of Art, Commerce, and Technology.

The establishment of Regional Technical Colleges in 1992 marked a significant development, with CoACT achieving RTC status. Subsequently, efforts were made to find a permanent location for the school. In 1994, the Good Shepherd Convent on Clare Street was acquired, and after extensive refurbishment, the Clare Street Campus officially opened in 1995. Further development continued, culminating in the completion of the final phase in 2008. The 21st century witnessed continued growth and transformation for the institute. In 2021, Limerick Institute of Technology, the parent institution, merged with Athlone Institute of Technology to form the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest.

Throughout its history, LSAD has remained committed to providing high-quality education in the arts, adapting to changing educational landscapes while preserving its rich heritage. The school’s legacy is reflected in its continued prominence as a leading institution for art and design education in Ireland.

Vision

The institute’s vision was established in 1852 by its founder, who recognised the need for accessible art education to support the burgeoning manufacturing sector in Limerick. Over the years, the vision expanded to encompass a broader educational mandate, aiming to provide inclusive learning opportunities for all members of society, regardless of background. This inclusive approach was embodied in the establishment of the Limerick Athenaeum in 1855, which served as a centre for learning open to all. Today, LSAD’s vision continues to evolve, focusing on fostering creativity, innovation, and critical thinking among students. The integration into TUS has further strengthened this vision, enabling the institute to offer diverse programmes and collaborate across disciplines to prepare students for successful careers in the creative industries.

Top Courses

The institute offers a comprehensive suite of programmes in fashion and design. The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Fashion Design is a flagship programme that provides students with a solid foundation in design principles, garment construction, and fashion theory. This course equips graduates with the skills necessary to succeed in various roles within the fashion industry, including design, production, and marketing. LSAD also offers programmes in related fields such as Textile Design and Fashion Communication, which allow students to specialise in areas such as fabric manipulation, surface design, and visual communication, broadening their expertise and enhancing their employability.

Among its standout offerings is the Art and Design, a one-year foundational program that allows students to explore disciplines before specializing in other disciplines. Other notable programs include the Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art, which offers specialisations in Painting, Printmaking, and Sculpture and Combined Media, and the Bachelor of Arts in Design with pathways in Animation and Motion Design, Ceramics, Fashion, and Visual Communications. Additionally, LSAD provides a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Digital Animation Production.

The integration of digital technologies into LSAD’s fashion and design programmes reflects the school’s commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends. Courses incorporating digital design tools, 3D modelling, and virtual prototyping prepare students to navigate fashion and design, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the demands of the modern industry.

Key People

• Professor Vincent Cunnane – President of TUS

• Dr. Sandra Joyce – Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Limerick

• Jimmy Browne – Chief Operations Officer

• Bill Delaney – Vice President, Finance and Corporate Governance

Job Integration Rate

Graduates have demonstrated high employability rates. According to recent data, 92.7% of taught postgraduate students were employed within nine months of graduation, with 93.7% of research postgraduates also securing employment during the same period. These figures underscore the effectiveness of the institute’s educational programmes in preparing students for the workforce. The strong employment outcomes for LSAD graduates can be attributed to the institution’s emphasis on industry-relevant skills, practical experience, and a curriculum that fosters creativity and innovation. This approach ensures that students are well-equipped to meet the demands of the creative industries and secure meaningful employment upon graduation.