The institution was conceived as an explicit statement to signify dissociation from the previous art policy of the National Socialist era.

In the context of the regional and international frame conditions within which Kunstuniversität Linz operates, three main orientations were evolved over the past few years.

Going beyond specialist competencies per se, they are of particular importance for artistic development, research and teaching and moreover reflect the unique profile of the university.

The chair for handicraft education and the master classes for sculpture, visual design and ceramics move into the converted building in 1986.

[citation needed] On 1 October 1998, the new Federal Universities of the Arts Organisation Act (KUOG) enters into force.

[citation needed] Foundation of the Forum – Friends and Alumni of Kunstuniversität Linz; setting-up of the international research laboratory Design-Organisation-Media (DOM); (head: Michael Shamiyeh).

What has remained a constant for the many decades since its inception are several core competencies of Kunstuniversität Linz: free artistic and applied design, interdisciplinarity, teaching at a very high level.

In recent years, the profile of the university has been largely determined by the three focuses on intermediality, spatial strategies and artistic-scientific research.