The Collaboratory

The Collaboratory

Connecting enterprises and cutting-edge creatives.

Professional design challenges require innovative design solutions. That’s why The Collaboratory exists – to bring together forward-thinking businesses and emerging creative talent from Ringling College of Art and Design.

The Collaboratory is an opportunity for Ringling College students to put their skills to work in a professional setting, while also providing businesses and brands with innovative, relevant design solutions from some of the nation's most talented young artists and designers. Whether you're a student or a client participating in the Collaboratory, you can choose to engage in a number of ways, from a one-day workshop charrette to a long-term, multi-semester engagement. 

FInd out how you can participate!

The Collaboratory is a partnership between Ringling College of Art and Design and The Patterson Foundation. 

Ringling College of Art and Design
The Collaboratory
2700 N Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34234
collaboratory@ringling.edu
941-359-7522

For Collaboratory Clients

Organizations partnering with the Collaboratory gain access to fresh perspectives on their new and existing design challenges from some of the world's most talented young artists and designers. You will collaborate with the emerging creative leaders of tomorrow and upon completion of your project, you will:

• Discover new, effective ways to approach existing design challenges
• Enhance your understanding of millenial audiences and creatives
• Network with soon-to-be leaders in an array of creative disciplines
• Tap into the minds of the world's most inventive, passionate new artists and designers

You will collaborate with the best and brightest at Ringling College to break new ground and stay ahead of the curve. Collaboratory students and faculty have employed their expertise in diverse industries such as hospitality & tourism, law enforcement, healthcare and biomedical, and e-commerce. 

A happy client

"We were absolutely thrilled with the creativity and quality of the design concepts we received. Investing in this charrette was one of the wisest business decisions we’ve made for our new restaurant and bar."

- Jill Ramsey, Sanctuary Holdings

For Collaboratory Students

Students participating in the Collaboratory quickly acquire the skills needed to thrive in our fast-paced professional work environment. As a Collaboratory student, you will work on faculty-led teams and collaborate with clients to tackle exciting design challenges. Through the process, you will:

• Strengthen confidence and familiarity with professional work demands
• Test drive your emerging technical and conceptual skills
• Network with the most innovative companies in the world
• Build a comprehensive, competitive portfolio
• Be eligible for scholarship opportunities

By partnering with The Collaboratory, organizations provide our students with priceless experiential learning opportunities. Working with client organizations fosters a greater understanding of a business’ specific challenges, imparts knowledge about and interest in the industry, and can yield new relationships that will last a professional lifetime.  

A happy student

"Working with real clients while still being a student is priceless; it’s low-risk but has the high pressure and countless possible outcomes of a real job setting. These experiences have resulted in me understanding several industries and how they work and given me insight into my own future."

- Keith Nelson, Business of Art and Design student