LUCA School of Arts

LUCA School of Arts in Belgium is a unique institution dedicated to art and design education. It stands out as the only university college in the Flemish region exclusively focused on art and design. Furthermore, it is associated with KU Leuven, one of Europe's oldest and most renowned research universities, which lends it significant academic credibility and resources.

LUCA School of Arts has a distinctive approach to art and design education by combining the strengths and expertise of five different art and design campuses located in Brussels, Genk, Ghent, and Leuven. Each of these institutions has its own strengths and unique identity. By collaborating under the LUCA banner, they offer a synergistic blend of academic, artistic, and professional resources. This collaborative approach encourages students to work across different programs and institutions, providing them with a diverse and well-rounded educational experience. It prepares them for a dynamic future in the artistic and design fields.

One of the key aspects of LUCA campus Genk’s approach is the integration of a design mindset into its curriculum. This philosophy is particularly evident in its Game Design department, which views games from a medium-independent perspective. In doing so, the department aims to push the boundaries of what games can be, fostering innovation and creativity in the field of game design. The REPLAY program, situated at the C-mine campus in Genk, is set in a historically significant mining area that has been transformed into a creative and cultural hub. Within this program, the Game Design department focuses on creating diverse game experiences. It prepares master's students for careers in various sectors, including indie games, escape rooms, serious games, and board games.

Notably, LUCA School of Arts' Game Design department has a track record of success, with several of its students winning prestigious awards. These students serve as ambassadors of the school's broad perspective on play. Additionally, the department maintains a strong connection with the local indie game industry and supports initiatives like the Limburg Game Guild and the Flanders Game Hub. This ensures that students have a thriving ecosystem to enter upon graduation, where they can contribute to and benefit from the local game development community.

Overall, LUCA School of Arts is an institution that encourages creative exploration and collaboration, offering a unique and comprehensive approach to art and design education in Belgium.