Faber-Castell Academy, where Stein honed his creative skills, has shut down
The Faber-Castell Academy, a pioneering institution for creative talent education since 1995, will be closing its doors by the end of 2026. Located in historic buildings known as "Alte Mine" in Stein, the academy has been a hub for creative education in the district of Fürth and beyond, spanning approximately 2,500 square meters.
Nestled between the castle and production facilities, the academy's unique atmosphere was contributed by its loft-like spaces. Over the years, it offered B.A. and M.A. programs in communication design, fine arts, process/product design, art and design therapy, literary writing, and creative pedagogy. Art exhibitions were held after each trimester, and vacation painting courses were offered in Fürth and Schwabach.
The academy's youth art school provided offerings for children and youth, making it an integral part of the creative network around Nuremberg and Fürth. However, with the closure announcement, these programs will no longer be available.
The decision to close the Faber-Castell Academy was made after thorough consideration of various concepts. The COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical crises, increasing investment needs, and limited resources played significant roles in the decision.
Current students and potential new applicants will need to seek alternative creative study institutions due to the closure. While no specific public information is available about alternative institutions directly recommended to students affected by the closure, renowned art and design schools in Germany and Europe, such as the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, the Berlin University of the Arts, the Royal College of Art in London, or École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, could serve as options.
CFO Constantin Neubeck emphasized that this step was necessary for the future direction of the entire Faber-Castell company. The Faber-Castell Academy was the only higher education institution in the district of Fürth, making the closure a setback for the creative network in the area.
As of now, there is no information regarding successor institutions or equivalent programs. If the academy or Faber-Castell Group provides updates on transition support or partnerships with other creative study institutions before or after the 2026 closure, such information will likely be released closer to the end date. For now, the closure announcement primarily confirms the end of the academy’s programs without naming alternatives.
Art exhibitions and vacation painting courses in Fürth and Schwabach are no longer being offered, leaving a gap in the local creative scene. The closure of the Faber-Castell Academy will undoubtedly affect current students and potential new applicants who are seeking creative study institutions.
Online education platforms could prove beneficial for individuals seeking to continue their education and self-development in creative fields, as the Faber-Castell Academy, a prominent institution, will close by the end of 2026. Current students and prospective applicants may find success in pursuing alternative creative study institutions, such as the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, Berlin University of the Arts, Royal College of Art in London, or École des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
