China Academy of Art visits HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL

On September 29, 2025, HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL in Moscow hosted a delegation from the China Academy of Art. The visit continued the dialogue that began earlier this month, when representatives of HSE’s Faculty of Creative Industries traveled to Hangzhou on September 14 to discuss future academic collaboration.

The meeting brought together Arseny Meshcheryakov, Head of the HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL, and Natalia Logutova, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Creative Industries, alongside representatives of the China Academy of Art: Feng Yuchun, Head of International Partnership at the China Design Museum; Mao Wenjing, Assistant Researcher; Fu Fang, Deputy Dean of the School of Film; and Mi Xinjun, Associate Professor at the School of Film. The discussion also included curator and art producer Galina Troshina, who works with the China Academy of Art.

Talks centred on prospects for cooperation in art and design. In the initial phase, the focus will be on practical projects — student and faculty exchanges, joint exhibitions, workshops, and lectures by industry professionals. The sides also explored how the digital infrastructure of HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL could support collaborative initiatives, from competitions and master classes to the development of student projects and professional portfolios. Longer-term plans, including potential dual-degree programmes, are also under discussion.

The partnership between the two institutions is already taking shape through academic projects. Professors Shao Wenhuan, Head of the Department of Photography, and Liu Yang, Deputy Head, previously served on the jury of the international student competition HSE Creative Open / Photo Project. The contest drew around 300 submissions, including nearly 100 entries from leading Chinese art and design universities.

During the visit, the delegation toured classrooms and laboratories at HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL, gaining insight into its facilities and practice-oriented approach. The programme also included a visit to the HSE ART AND DESIGN STORE, which showcases and sells student-designed products — from clothing and tableware to jewellery and stickers — illustrating how educational projects can evolve into market-ready products, allowing students to launch their own brands and earn their first income while still studying.

Both sides agreed to move forward with preparing a memorandum of cooperation, launch pilot workshops and exhibitions, and develop a schedule of guest lectures featuring practitioners from both universities. Dedicated teams from HSE and the China Academy of Art will continue working on a roadmap for upcoming initiatives.