The Rhode Island School of Design (commonly abbreviated RISD and pronounced RIZ-dee) is one of the premier fine arts institutions in the United States. It was founded in 1877 and is located in Providence, Rhode Island at the base of College Hill and adjacent to the Brown University campus. The two institutions share social, academic, and community resources. They offer joint courses and students at each institution may cross-register in courses offered by the other institution.

In its mission, RISD states its aim is “to aid in the cultivation of the arts and design, and the general advancement of public art education and the application of the principles of art to the requirements of trade and manufacture.” It includes about 350 faculty and curators, and 400 staff members. About 1,880 undergraduates and 370 graduate students enroll from all over the United States and 50 other countries from other parts of the world. It offers 16 undergraduate majors and 17 graduate majors. It also maintains a museum called The RISD Museum.