A Showcase of Project-Based Learning: Renmin University of China Delegation Visits HSE Art and Design School

On September 3, a delegation from Renmin University of China visited HSE University to exchange insights on the creative industries. The visit centered around the project-based learning model championed by the HSE Art and Design School and the HSE Institute for Creative Industries Development. Participants discussed the prospects of future joint initiatives and explored the university's infrastructure, which effectively transforms student ideas into tangible products and exhibition projects.

The success of this project-based approach was evident right from the traditional gift exchange. Every publication presented to the Chinese delegation was developed entirely by HSE students, faculty, and staff. Notably, the director of the Renmin University Museum received a unique wimmelbuch dedicated to the history of the Durasov House, a cultural heritage site located at the university's Pokrovsky Boulevard campus.

Published as a limited edition in 2022, the book was created by students from the Illustration and Comics program and won an HSE University award for the best popular science work. The format serves as a visual guided tour, allowing readers to explore different historical eras through the lens of contemporary illustrators. The guests also received a collector's edition of ART magazine, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the WAM art book series.

During the business segment of the meeting, Natalia Logutova, Deputy Director of IRKI, introduced the Chinese delegates to the digital infrastructure that supports this educational process. She showcased the unified student portfolio system and the DAFES competition platform. This digital foundation bridges the gap between academia and the real economy: through competitive selection, student projects—whether an illustrated book, fine art, or design merchandise—earn the opportunity to be featured in galleries, stocked at the HSE Design Store, or sent into mass production.

The practical part of the visit took place at the HSE Art Gallery, located at the Winzavod Center for Contemporary Art. Accompanied by Tatiana Rivchun, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Creative Industries and Director of IRKI, the delegation toured the newly opened exhibition We Choose \ We Are Chosen. The exhibition features student works rigorously selected by leading Russian art collectors. Among the contributing experts was Pierre-Christian Brochet, Head of the Contemporary Art program at the HSE Art and Design School and Head of Curating and Art Management at IRKI.

Wrapping up the visit, representatives from both HSE University and Renmin University of China discussed future collaborations. Joint exhibitions emerged as a primary format for future partnership. Such initiatives will help students and faculty from both universities forge professional ties, while offering the public a chance to explore contemporary art and design at the intersection of two cultures.