Founded in 1919, the Art Academy of Latvia (Latvijas Mākslas akadēmija, or LMA) is recognised for its modern approach to academic education, openness to topical art processes and activities, cooperation between students and professors, and the high-level performance of its students. It offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in more than 15 departments in visuals arts, design, plastic arts, history and theory of art, and audio-visual art. All students study traditional art techniques, specialise in the application of traditional and untraditional materials, develop creative skills with the use of modern media and gain experience in implementing art projects. The academy enrolls some 700 students each year.