The Weimar School of Painting and Drawing is one of the oldest art schools of its kind in Germany. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Duchess Anna Amalia and Duke Carl August supported the "Freie Zeichenschule", which was founded in the 18th century. Today, renowned contemporary artists teach at the Weimar School of Painting and Drawing. Over 100 weekly courses, almost 60 workshops and many vacation attractions for children take place here every year. The painting school is one of the most important educational institutions in Thuringia.