Founded in 1856, Duperré School of Applied Arts has always had a mission to train young people for employment in creative fields. Throughout its history, the structures of the school have been altered several times. Every time, this evolution has followed three firm principles:
• development towards a better adaptation to the needs of relevant professions,
• upgrading of training levels,
• greater versatility.
École Duperré is a public higher education institution. It belongs to the city of Paris, the staff are under the Ministry for National Education and it delivers diplomas from the Ministry for Higher Education and Research.
Recently with the development of new communication technologies, European interests and the internationalisation of companies, three new priorities are emerging:
• opening up to Europe and the rest of the world,
• the use of new technologies in training programmes,
• partnerships for the start of Masters’ level courses.
Each year École Duperré trains two hundred students (diplomas at level III, II and I)). One third of them opt to continue their studies in courses offered through the school : European Masters, DSAA (higher diploma of applied arts), higher Diploma of Paris Design Schools or studying abroad.
Taking part in conferences, meetings and professional events in France and abroad, as well as in research and reflection on the development of new technologies, on art and industry has enabled École Duperré to play an active role in the evolution of Design in the broadest sense.
The presence of Duperré and its students in major professional shows and their participation in numerous prestigious competitions demonstrate vitality, creativity and technological evolution.
The primary aim which is common to all the courses is not only to support and raise each student’s creativity to the highest possible level, but also to help them in practical ways to express their personal artistic universe.
École Duperré seeks to provide solid vocational training for its students, but also to encourage their personal fulfilment. In this way, the school is responsible for spreading artistic expression throughout society, particularly in the field of design which, more than any other domain, enhances our everyday lives, bringing that essential extra touch of spirit.
Annei Toulzat, Director