Lausanne and its canton are in outstanding artistic health. Since the end of the 20th century, the city has earned a reputation for being young and stylish in design, largely due to the excellence of its art school (ECAL), which serves as an ambassador for the city far and wide. Since the 1960s, when art in Vaud was gradually breaking free from its long-standing lack of confidence and ambition, it has developed a multi-cultural vocation with a surprising intensity for its size. The richness, diversity and vitality of its museums and galleries are proof of this.