The school was established in 1945 in Sopot as the State Institute of Fine Arts. The initiators of its establishment were artists who were good friends with each other: Janusz Strzalecki, Krystyna and Juliusz Studniccy, Hanna and Jacek Żuławscy, Józefa and Marian Wnuk. They came at that time to the coast for they shared a desire to be part of the reconstruction of Gdańsk and contribute to its artistic life. The first academic year was inaugurated on 15 October 1945. Twenty two students began studies then. At the end of that year the school’s name was changed to the State Higher School of Fine Arts (later renamed the State Higher School of Fine Arts in Gdańsk). The curriculum is based on close cooperation of painting and sculpture from applied arts: interior design, furniture, weaving, ceramics and graphics.