This timely and compelling volume furthers understandings of contemporary art education in international contexts and the position of alternative art colleges in relation to the neoliberal academy and arts economy.Defining the concept of 'cooperative education' and articulating its centrality and relevance to the so-called 'alternative' or 'autonomous' art schools it examines, the book presents innovative explorations of its central topics such as art educator identities, the non-profitization of arts studios, and the Anthropocene, whilst drawing these into relation with important contemporary political and academic concerns such as decolonisation, feminism, and neoliberalism. Chapters showcase a range of international viewpoints, dialogues, and empirical research contributions from notable scholars, renowned artists and experienced educators.This book will be of use to scholars, researchers and postgraduate students in education policy and politics, arts education, and higher education. Members of professional bodies such as art historians, critics and curators may also find the volume of interest.