University and Edinburgh College of Art to Merge on 1 August 2011

The University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh College of Art have welcomed the news that, following approval from the Cabinet Secretary, Mr Michael Russell MSP, the Scottish Parliament has now passed the Order for the merger of the two institutions.

This means that all stages of approval have now passed and that the merger will take effect on 1 August 2011. At this time, Edinburgh College of Art will combine with the University’s School of Arts, Culture and Environment to form a new Edinburgh College of Art within the University containing Art, Design, Music, History of Art and Architecture and Landscape Architecture.

Over the coming months, the institutions will be working together to welcome ECA to the University with the minimum of disruption to academic activities.

Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea said:

“We very much welcome the news that the Scottish Parliament has passed the Order for merger. The vision is to create a vibrant, enlarged and sustainable Art College that combines the knowledge, skills, and expertise of the two institutions, and builds on the strong international reputations that they both enjoy.”

Principal, of Edinburgh College of Art, Professor Ian Howard, said:

“We are delighted that the merger has now received the approval of the Scottish Parliament and I would like to thank all those who have worked so hard to bring this proposal to fruition. The vision and planning will now become a reality and we are confident that, through merger, the College and the University will be at the heart of creativity, innovation, and cultural and intellectual life in Scotland and beyond.”

Professor Ian Howard has announced his intention to retire as Principal and Head of the Edinburgh College of Art with effect from 31 July 2011. In the coming days, the two institutions will be advertising for a Principal and Head to lead the new Edinburgh College of Art at this important stage of development.