The history of the higher art educational institution in Batumi has its origins from 1990s. On 29 September, 1995 the State Institute of Art was established in Batumi by the Decision of the Georgian Government. After several years the Institute of Art became the leading educational center in artistic sphere. There were 3 Faculties and 9 Chairs at the Institute of Art. In 1996 a Ballet Studio was opened at the Institute for two age groups. In 1999 the Ballet Studio was separated from the Institute of Art and with the status of a school-college. In 1998 the Batumi Zakaria Paliashvili State Conservatory was opened on the basis of the musical disciplines faculty of the Institute of Art.

By the Decision №137, 23 February, 2006 of the Georgian Government the Batumi State    Institute of Art and Batumi State Conservatory were joined with the newly opened  Legal  Entity of Public Law– ShotaRustaveli State University, in the status of the faculty of Art.

By the Decision №146, 14 August, 2009 of the Georgian Government the LEPL-Batumi Art Institute was established on the basis of the faculty of Art, LEPL ShotaRustaveli State University. The Institute was renamed as LEPL Batumi Art Teaching University by the Decision №180, 9 October, 2009 of the Georgian Government.

The Institute of Art and Conservatory (later the Faculty of Art) brought up hundreds of professional artists who are successfully conducting activities within the country and abroad. They are still taking active part in the cultural life of our city.

Batumi Art University is the only higher educational art institution which simultaneously conducts teaching in all the four directions: theatre, cinema, music and visual art. There is a two-cycle teaching at the university: BA and MA cycles. There are also some educational programs for diploma specialists. 

The educational programs are being conducted by highly qualified specialists working in Batumi as well as invited professors from partner higher educational institutions. They are conducting active teaching, professional-performing and scientific activities.