The Academy of Fine Arts (HGB) is one of the oldest art academies in Germany. It has a more than 200-year history, which was also influenced by Goethe, who was taught at the academy during his time. Between 1887 and 1890 it received a stately new building and since 1950 it has been known as the "Hochschule für Grafik und Buchkunst Leipzig". Approximately 600 students are pursuing their degrees in photography, painting/graphics, book art/graphic design and media art. In 2009, the Master's programme "Cultures of the Curatorial" was introduced, providing a unique combination of application-oriented research practice and scientific reflection. The lecturers at the HGB are of international renown and have a proven artistic portfolio.