El-Reis Academy of the Arts

El-Reis Academy of the Arts (Dutch: El-Reis Academie voor Kunsten) or ERAA is Brunant's premier art school. Located in Nieuw Helmond and founded in 1829, ERAA is the alma mater of many significant artists. It was named after Mohamed El-Reis, who donated most of his books to the town back in the 15th century.

History
ERAFA was established in 1829 by King Cristian I. His father and predecessor, King Ambroos I, also wanted to found an art school in Brunant, but he never secured the necessary funds. Initially, the academy was named Royal School of Fine Arts and the subjects taught were painting, sculpture, architecture, lithography, woodcut, geometry and cartography. Hans Rotmensen was appointed the first chancellor, as well as the painting tutor. In 1905 a fire of unknown source destroyed the original building. The renowned Czech-Brunanter architect Konrad Adamik was hired to built a new one. The new building, a major example of eclecticism in Southern Europe, was completed in 1907.

During the 30's the bad economic situation of Brunant, almost resulted to the stutdown of the academy. However, Eugene Cummins, a wealthy factory owner, made a generous donation and saved the school. During the German occupation, Heinrich Schneider ordered his soldiers to respect the building and its stuff. Nevertheless, there were a few paintings that were sent to Germany.

The academy took its current name in 1956. With the initiative of the then Prime Minister Henry Warson, the main building of ERAA was made a National Monument in 1971.

Department of Fine Arts

 * Painting
 * Sculpture
 * Craft
 * Design
 * Architecture and Planning
 * Aesthetics and Art History
 * Inter-media Arts
 * Photography
 * Conservation
 * Film and New Media
 * Theater

Department of Music

 * Composition
 * Conducting
 * Vocal Music
 * Piano
 * String Instruments
 * Wind and Percussion Instruments
 * Musicology
 * Musical Creativity and the Environment

Famous students

 * Edward Eldridge, painter (1857-1862)
 * Izaak Houtkooper, sculptor (1868-1873)
 * Willemine Koerner, painter (1896-1897)
 * Jolanda Ryskamp, photographer (1919-1924)
 * Michael Vandelet, painter (1921-1926)
 * Carlyle O'Keefe, playwright and author (1934-1939)
 * Constantijn Roggeveen, opera singer (1979-1984)
 * Christopher McCarney, director (1987-1992)

Famous tutors

 * Hans Rotmensen (1829-1831)
 * Carlyle O'Keefe (1974-1999)