Understanding SCAD in Atlanta: What It Is and How It Works Here

If you hear people in Atlanta talk about “SCAD,” they’re almost always referring to the Savannah College of Art and Design, a well-known private art and design university that has a large, active presence in the city.

Below is a clear overview of what SCAD is in Atlanta, what it offers, and what it’s like to interact with the school as a resident, visitor, or prospective student.

What Is SCAD in Atlanta?

SCAD Atlanta is the Atlanta campus of the Savannah College of Art and Design, a university focused on creative fields such as:

• Animation, film, and television
• Graphic design and illustration
• Fashion design and fashion marketing
• Game design and interactive media
• Interior design and architecture-related programs
• Photography, visual effects, and more

In Atlanta, SCAD operates as a full campus with academic buildings, residence halls, galleries, performance spaces, and student support services, integrated into the city’s urban environment.

Where Is SCAD in Atlanta Located?

SCAD has several buildings and facilities around Midtown and nearby neighborhoods. One of the main Atlanta locations is:

SCAD Atlanta
1600 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
Main phone (general information): typically available through the university’s published contact directory

From an Atlanta resident’s perspective, SCAD’s presence is most visible along and around Peachtree Street and in the broader Midtown and Buckhead corridor, where you may see SCAD-branded buildings, student housing, and galleries.

What Does SCAD Do in Atlanta?

1. Offers Degree Programs

SCAD Atlanta offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a range of art and design disciplines. Many Atlantans know SCAD for programs related to:

• Film and Television – leveraging Atlanta’s large film and TV production scene
• Digital Media and Game Development – tying into the city’s growing tech and gaming industry
• Fashion and Luxury Branding – including runway shows and fashion events
• Interior Design and Architecture-related Design – relevant to Atlanta’s busy development and real estate market

Classes are held in specialized facilities, including studios, editing labs, and production spaces tailored to creative work.

2. Connects with Atlanta’s Creative and Business Communities

SCAD often collaborates with local companies, nonprofits, and cultural organizations. Although specific partnerships change over time, projects may involve:

• Design work for Atlanta-based brands
• Film or photography projects shot in and around the city
• Exhibitions and showcases that involve local artists, businesses, and audiences

For Atlanta, this means SCAD functions as a pipeline of creative talent and a source of arts-focused events.

3. Hosts Public Exhibitions and Events

SCAD frequently organizes exhibitions, screenings, and performances that are open or partially open to the public. Examples can include:

• Student and faculty art exhibitions
• Film screenings and talks
• Fashion shows and design showcases

These events add to Atlanta’s arts and culture calendar, especially in the Midtown area.

SCAD vs. “Scad”: Clarifying the Term

In most Atlanta conversations, “SCAD” means the university. However, the word “scad” can also mean other things in different contexts, such as:

• A type of fish (not common in local conversation)
• An acronym for various unrelated technical or medical terms (usually outside everyday Atlanta usage)

If you’re asking, “What is SCAD in Atlanta?” in the context of local life, education, or the arts, people almost always mean the Savannah College of Art and Design’s Atlanta campus, not a medical term or anything else.

Who Typically Interacts with SCAD in Atlanta?

1. Prospective Students and Families

People in Atlanta or visiting the city often look into SCAD Atlanta to:

• Tour the campus
• Learn about art and design degree options
• Explore housing and student life in the city

Many Atlanta-area high school students, especially those interested in creative careers, consider SCAD as a local or regional option.

2. Local Employers and Creative Industries

Atlanta’s film, TV, gaming, design, and marketing sectors may:

• Recruit SCAD students and graduates
• Collaborate on internships or project-based work
• Attend portfolio shows or showcases

For employers, SCAD Atlanta functions as a local talent pool in creative fields.

3. Residents Interested in Arts and Culture

Even if you’re not a student, you might interact with SCAD by:

• Visiting exhibitions or galleries
• Attending a film screening or performance
• Following SCAD-related festivals or events happening in Midtown

This gives Atlanta residents additional access points to the arts, beyond the city’s museums and theaters.

What Is Campus Life Like Within the City?

SCAD Atlanta is an urban campus, meaning its facilities are woven into regular city blocks rather than a single closed-off area. For Atlanta:

• You’ll see students walking, commuting on MARTA, or using rideshare around Midtown and nearby neighborhoods.
• Some SCAD buildings are located close to major streets and transit routes, making them easy to reach from other parts of the city.
• Student housing often sits near commercial areas, so SCAD’s presence overlaps with local shops, restaurants, and apartments.

This setup gives students direct access to Atlanta’s creative industries, business centers, and cultural venues, while the city benefits from a steady stream of arts activity.

Simple Overview: What SCAD Is in Atlanta

How SCAD Fits into Atlanta’s Broader Scene

Atlanta is known for its:

• Film and TV production
• Music and entertainment
• Tech startups and digital media
• Design, fashion, and creative marketing

SCAD contributes to these areas by:

• Training people in film, animation, production design, and related fields
• Supporting fashion and luxury brand education in a city with growing fashion visibility
• Providing digital arts and design talent to agencies and companies
• Adding to the visual arts landscape with galleries and exhibitions

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, this means SCAD is one of the institutions helping define the city’s creative identity.

Practical Tips if You’re Curious About SCAD in Atlanta

If you’re in the Atlanta area and want to learn more or get involved:

• Check for tours or information sessions if you’re considering applying as a student.
• Look for public exhibitions or events at SCAD galleries or performance spaces in Midtown.
• If you’re an employer, explore ways to connect with SCAD’s career or industry outreach offices to learn about internships and recruiting.
• If you’re a resident interested in the arts, keep an eye out for SCAD-branded events listed in local arts calendars and community listings.

In everyday Atlanta language, “SCAD” refers to the Savannah College of Art and Design’s Atlanta campus—a major creative university that educates artists and designers, collaborates with local industries, and adds to the city’s arts and culture scene.