Faculty of Fine Arts was founded in June 1950. For the first time in independent India, a programme of study was introduced to offer UG [Bachelor of Visual Art /Diploma in Visual Art, PG [Master in Visual Art /Post-Diploma in Visual Art and  Master of Fine Arts [Museology] Courses and Research facilities in its various departments like Applied Arts, Painting, Sculpture, Print Making and Art History & Aesthetics . The emphasis was laid on individuality through knowledge of Indian and Western traditions. It has since then made a definite mark in the field of Visual Art and remained in the forefront of the art education scenario in the country. The Faculty has produced world-renowned artists in the course of seven decades of its conception. It has a history of outstanding faculties many of whom are recipients of Padma-Bhusan and Padma Shree Awards apart from being awarded numerous State, National, International Awards and Fellowships. These illustrious art practitioners have nurtured the Faculty to its present eminence. 

Recognized as foremost art institute in the country and also globally, many of our students have been and are part of reputed institutes abroad as students of further studies and also as Faculties. Faculties have published significant and path-breaking research papers and books; have been part of significant art exhibitions and have held numerous solo exhibitions too that have played a part in contouring the path of contemporary art and establishing a very strong presence in the art scenario of the country and the world. 

Through the dept. libraries, dept. film shows, visiting artists, workshops, studio /gallery/ museum visits and other innovative programs, the Faculty strives to provide a nurturing atmosphere for young creative minds. The Faculty has a very good placement track record with students employed in prestigious Institutes, Art Galleries, and Museums, in India as well as in various other countries. Most others are successful and well-recognized freelance artists. 
Every department enjoys self-sufficient infrastructure. It also has the only Visual resource center in the area of Fine Arts in the country comprising of over 1,50,000 visuals that are regularly used for teaching and research and was also recognized by UGC as the regional documentation center.

As part of the dissemination and expansion of the art and design curriculum, Faculty of Fine Arts has established in 2013, a National level Design Institute under its auspices. The Design Institute is named after the alumni of the Faculty and the erstwhile Maharaja of Baroda, Shrimant Ranjitsinh Gaekwad, hence the name, Maharaja Ranjitsinh Gaekwad Institute of Design [MRID]. MRID offers courses of Bachelor [BDes] and Masters [MDes]  in  Design specializing the areas of Communication Design,  Accessory Design, Moving Images, Ceramic &  Glass and Craft & Design.