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Recently, the School of Fine Arts and Design at Nanjing Normal University Zhongbei College in Danyang, Jiangsu Province, hosted a high-level forum entitled “Deans’ Forum on Challenges and Opportunities in Art and Design Education at Private Universities”. Under the theme of “Cooperation, Innovation and Development”, the event brought together deans, academic leaders, and industry experts from private universities across Jiangsu and beyond to explore pathways for enhancing the quality of art and design education.
Notable participants included Luo Ji, Dean of School of Fine Arts and Design of Nanjing Normal University Zhongbei College; Professor Li Yuanlin, Executive Vice President, Professor Yuan Xiaoli, Vice President, Zhang Yuchun, Dean of the School of Art and Design, Xiao Lei, Dean of the School of Animation and Digital Arts, Fan Wenpei, Dean of the School of Photography, all from Nanjing Communication University; Ding Shan, Dean of School of Performing Arts, Sanjiang University ; Wang Mingyi, Dean of Jinshen College’s School of Art and Design, Nanjing Audit University; Wu Yaohua, Dean of School of Media and Design, Nantong Institute of Technology; Kang Weidong, Dean of Nantong University Xinglin College, ; Zhang Qiuping, Dean of School of Art, Wuxi Taihu University; Fu Jufen, Dean of Applied Technology College of Soochow University; Zhou Jian, Dean of School of Art and Design, Anhui Institute of Information Technology; Xiao En, Vice Dean of School of Design and Art, Qingdao City University; Dai Yurong, Vice Dean of Chengxian College, Southeast University; Professor Zhong Xingming, Founding Dean of School of Digital Arts, Shanghai University; Associate Professor Zhang Genlei, Assistant to the President of Nanjing Tech University Pujiang Institute; Professor Sun Jiayu, head of Guangling College of Yangzhou University; Professor Yang Yang of Hunan Institute of Traffic Engineering; Professor Zhang Xi, Vice President and Secretary-General of the Jiangsu Province Industrial Design Association; and Professor Cao Jianlin, Han Wei, Huang Tianlin participated in the forum.
Notable participants included Luo Ji, Dean of School of Fine Arts and Design of Nanjing Normal University Zhongbei College; Professor Li Yuanlin, Executive Vice President, Professor Yuan Xiaoli, Vice President, Zhang Yuchun, Dean of the School of Art and Design, Xiao Lei, Dean of the School of Animation and Digital Arts, Fan Wenpei, Dean of the School of Photography, all from Nanjing Communication University; Ding Shan, Dean of School of Performing Arts, Sanjiang University ; Wang Mingyi, Dean of Jinshen College’s School of Art and Design, Nanjing Audit University; Wu Yaohua, Dean of School of Media and Design, Nantong Institute of Technology; Kang Weidong, Dean of Nantong University Xinglin College, ; Zhang Qiuping, Dean of School of Art, Wuxi Taihu University; Fu Jufen, Dean of Applied Technology College of Soochow University; Zhou Jian, Dean of School of Art and Design, Anhui Institute of Information Technology; Xiao En, Vice Dean of School of Design and Art, Qingdao City University; Dai Yurong, Vice Dean of Chengxian College, Southeast University; Professor Zhong Xingming, Founding Dean of School of Digital Arts, Shanghai University; Associate Professor Zhang Genlei, Assistant to the President of Nanjing Tech University Pujiang Institute; Professor Sun Jiayu, head of Guangling College of Yangzhou University; Professor Yang Yang of Hunan Institute of Traffic Engineering; Professor Zhang Xi, Vice President and Secretary-General of the Jiangsu Province Industrial Design Association; and Professor Cao Jianlin, Han Wei, Huang Tianlin participated in the forum.
Group photo of participating representatives
The forum was chaired by Professor Luo Ji, Dean of School of Fine Arts and Design of Nanjing Normal University Zhongbei College. Professor Yuan Xiaoli, Executive Vice President of Communication University of China Nanjing, delivered the opening address. In their remarks, they highlighted the transformative impact of rapidly evolving AI technologies on art education, and the subsequent restructuring of the talent market which now places greater demands on higher education institutions in nurturing adaptable and innovative graduates. The forum provided a platform to discuss talent development strategies in the context of big data and artificial intelligence, and to promote cooperation and resource-sharing among private institutions, thereby fostering the healthy growth of art and design education.
Professor Luo Ji, chairs the forum
Professor Yuan Xiaoli delivers keynote remarks
A keynote speech was delivered by Professor He Xiaoyou, Director of the Art Committee of the World Eco-Design Organization (WEDO), titled “Diversified Empowerment: Development Pathways for Design Disciplines in Private Universities”. He emphasized that the recent promulgation of the Private Education Promotion Law and the National Education Development Plan (2024–2035) has further clarified the positioning of private education within China’s higher education landscape. Professor He proposed six strategic dimensions for differentiation in private art and design education: “Building Alliances,” “Legitimizing Presence,” “Brand Building,” “Diversified Empowerment,” “Strategic Retreat,” and “Subtractive Thinking.” He also introduced the nature, values, objectives, and scope of work of the Art Committee of WEDO, expressing strong support for the forum’s proposal to establish an alliance for private universities specializing in art and design education.
Professor He Xiaoyou delivering delivered a keynote speech
During the following discussions, deans from various institutions shared insights on the current state of their programs, curriculum structures, student demographics, graduate employment, and disciplinary development. Participants also examined emerging policy opportunities and market demands, exploring how private universities might leverage these to achieve transformative growth. Specific attention was given to advancing the proposal for an alliance of private universities in art and design education. In addition, there was broad consensus on pursuing deeper collaboration with the Art Committee of WEDO Participants expressed enthusiasm for aligning their academic and creative efforts with the annual themes of World Environment Day, developing curricula and artistic works that reflect principles of ecological design. The goal is to integrate outstanding teaching outcomes into WEDO’s international network, thereby enhancing global visibility and impact.
Forum Highlights
Guangzhou,China
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