The mission of Kansas City Art Institute is to be a leader in visual arts and design education by preparing gifted students for lifelong creativity through intensive interaction with preeminent faculty and facilities and by stimulating active public awareness, support, and participation in the visual arts and design.
KCAI is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD)and the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. In addition, KCAI belongs to the National Portfolio Day Association, the members of which host portfolio days and carreer-in-the-arts events throughout the United States and Canada.