The Faculty of the Arts is a historic and unique institution that was established by the famous artist JH Pierneef in 1928. From this humble but exciting beginning, the first diplomas were conferred in 1953. By the mid-seventies, most of the programmes offered today had been established.  Approximately 37 years ago the first courses in Performing Arts were offered, with the last performing arts department, the Dance Department, being formed in 1982.

A major step in performing arts training was taken in 1983 with the acquisition of the Breytenbach Theatre in Sunnyside, Pretoria, named after the well-known Dr PPB Breytenbach.  Today the Faculty is also home to the Rostrum Theatre situated on the Arts Campus.

The Faculty of the Arts moved to the Arts Campus in 1992. This campus is a vibrant and creative modern centre for training young artists – unique in the world – and it is still constantly developing and changing to keep up with the times. Highly motivated staff members subscribe to quality education and well-developed work ethics, and ensure that graduates are fully equipped to survive and flourish in the world of work.

Since the Faculty started operating at the Arts Campus, it has seen a significant growth in student numbers, and an even more impressive growth in achievements.

In 1994, Jewellery Design was added to the already impressive list of programmes offered. The course has experienced tremendous growth and its students have won almost all major competitions in this discipline. A first in Africa was the introduction of a glass forming course in 1995.

As from 2000, all the programmes of the Faculty have been offering degrees. 

The Tshwane University of Technology was established on 1 January 2004, with the merging of the former Technikon Northern Gauteng, Technikon North-West and Technikon Pretoria into a new mega-institution. 

The merger had a direct impact on the Department of Fashion Design.  In 2009, the new 1 500 m2  Fashion Building was handed over to the merged Department and the staff and students of the Ga-Rankuwa Campus also moved into the new facilities.

The Music Programme of the Department of Performing Arts moved to the Arts Campus in 2010 after the completion of the Jazz and Popular Music Building.  It was then possible for all the disciplines of the Department of Performing Arts – Dance, Musical Theatre, Music and Vocal Art – to come together on one learning site for the first time.

The principal educational goal of the Faculty is to provide students with an opportunity to gain an understanding of and proficiency in the visual, design and performing arts through both study and practice. 

The Faculty aims to achieve and sustain excellence in every area of its teaching and research, maintaining and developing its historical position as a world-class university faculty, and enriching the international, national and regional communities through the fruits of its research and the skills of its graduates.

For admission to the Faculty, a high degree of capability and commitment is required. The Faculty attracts energetic and passionate students with enquiring minds.  Its students come from all over Africa and this contributes to the rich mix of interests, backgrounds and talents. 

We invite you to have a closer look at the programmes we offer
Dance • Drama • Fashion • Film and Television Production • Fine Arts • Graphic Design • Interior Design • Jewellery Design and Manufacture • Multimedia (Visual Arts-based) • Music • Musical Theatre • Performing Arts Technology • Photography • Textile Design and Technology • Vocal Art

Prospective students should preferably apply well in advance.