The Nanjing Institute of Visual Arts sits in the Nanjing Lukou International Airport's industry park and covers an area of 53.3 hectares. It was formerly known as a private secondary school under the Nanjing Forestry University. The institute became an independent education facility after six years of leapfrog development. It officially established its own name after getting approval from the Jiangsu government in 2005. The institute has focused on developing quality art talents and has gained public trust and support. It has nurtured more students with undergraduate diploma than vocational certificate over the years and is now transitioning into an undergraduate education facility.