An educational institution established and run by the Minister responsible for culture and national heritage. Legal persons other than local government units and natural persons may set up non-public art schools upon entry in the register maintained by the Minister responsible for culture and national heritage.

There are schools providing both general and artistic education, and schools providing only artistic education. Art schools also include schools for librarians and culture managers. Graduates of second degree general art schools who pass the matriculation exam are eligible to continue to higher education. After completing a school leading to professional certification, the student obtains a school-leaving diploma confirming the receipt of a professional title.

• Act of 7 September 1991 on the Education System
  Place of publication: (Dz. U. z 2024 r. poz. 750, z późn. zm.)