It was created in 2003 from the merger of the University of Music and Theatre and the School of Design, Art and Conservation.

The educational institution is one of eight departments of the Bern University of Applied Sciences.

[2] The HKB works in research and as an organizer according to information closely with Swiss and international partners from culture, society and economy together, enabling even large-scale projects such as the Biennale Bern.

It offers internationally recognized Bachelor and Master courses in these departments.

The Y Institute is a center for interdisciplinary teaching and works at the interfaces of art and science.