Northwestern College is adding a new academic major designed for students who want to pursue their passion for art while gaining the business skills needed for a successful career.

The new major, creative industries–visual art, is a cross-disciplinary collaboration between Northwestern’s art and design department and the college’s business and economics department.

“At Northwestern, we pride ourselves on our willingness to innovate and break down traditional academic barriers,” says Dr. Jenny Song, chair of the business department. “The arts play a vital role in our world, enriching our lives and shaping our culture. This new major underscores our commitment to providing a holistic education that meets the evolving needs of both our students and society.”

Among the positions graduates would be prepared for are those of an illustrator, art director, curator, gallery manager, creative director, studio artist, and production designer in the entertainment industry. A background in business will also help graduates who wish to move into leadership positions in management, entrepreneurial endeavors, and nonprofit organizations.

The creative industries–visual art major includes core art courses and gives students the ability to choose one art track: image making and design, or object design and expanded media. For the business side of the major, students will choose two areas of emphasis out of five tracks: innovation, management, marketing, nonprofit, and public relations.

A required internship and community outreach projects provide the opportunity to connect knowledge with experience.

The creative economy comprises a wide range of industries, including film and TV, publishing, museums, music and the performing arts, computer programming, fine arts, and architecture and interior design. According to Forbes, the global market size for creative industries is expected to reach $3.43 trillion by 2032, evidence of a growing demand for creative talent. Deloitte, a global business consulting company, studied the economies of nine countries and reported that the creative economy could grow 40% by 2030.

For more information about Northwestern’s new major, visit nwciowa.edu/creative-industries-art.