Central Academy of Fine Arts

SUMMARY

The Central Academy of Fine Arts is the only institution of higher education for fine arts under the administration of the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China. The academy has fourteen specialty schools and department sand is widely recognised for its historic role and contemporary influence in Chinese art education and culture.

HISTORY

The Central Academy of Fine Arts was founded in 1918 under the name National School of Fine Arts, in Beijing. The establishment was part of the broader movement to modernise Chinese education, supported by intellectuals such as Cai Yuanpei, who was instrumental in the development of art education in China. In 1949, after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the National Art School in Beiping merged with the Department of Fine Arts from North China University to form the Central Academy of Fine Arts.

In the 1950s, the Academy’s role in shaping socialist art education in China was significant, with a curriculum that sought to reflect the political climate and cultural priorities of the time. The Academy continued to expand its offerings, developing both the theoretical and practical aspects of fine arts, encompassing Chinese traditional painting, oil painting, printmaking, sculpture, and design. The 1980s and 1990s brought significant transformations to Central Academy of Fine Arts, with more emphasis placed on contemporary art, experimental practices, and the integration of global artistic movements. Central Academy of Fine Arts’s expansion during this period aligned with China’s economic reforms and its growing role in the international art scene.

In 2008, the Central Academy of Fine Arts’ museum opened, designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. The museum symbolised Central Academy of Fine Arts’s commitment to promoting art beyond the classroom, serving as a dynamic platform for contemporary art exhibitions and international cultural exchange. The Academy’s educational philosophy has always focused on the holistic development of artists, incorporating both traditional Chinese arts and modern techniques. In recent years, CAFA has also expanded its curriculum to include design, urban planning, and heritage studies, reflecting the country’s increasing interest in design-driven growth.

Today, Central Academy of Fine Arts is widely regarded as one of the top art and design institutions in China, and it consistently ranks among the best globally. The Academy’s influence on Chinese culture and art education remains profound, as it continues to train the next generation of artists, designers, and academics.

VISION

The vision of Central Academy of Fine Arts is rooted in the belief that education should balance tradition with innovation. The founders, particularly Cai Yuanpei, envisioned an institution that would fuse China’s rich cultural heritage with modern artistic practices. Over the years, the institute has built upon this foundational vision, emphasising the integration of Chinese cultural values with international artistic movements. The institution aims to produce artists and designers who not only master traditional techniques but also engage with contemporary trends in global art and design. By doing so, the Central Academy of Fine Arts continues to position itself as a bridge between Eastern and Western artistic traditions.

TOP COURSES AND FACILITIES

The Central Academy of Fine Arts offers a comprehensive range of design programmes, covering various disciplines including visual communication design, industrial design, digital media, and fashion design. One of the top design courses at Central Academy of Fine Arts is the undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design, which combines creative practice with theoretical learning. The Academy is also renowned for its graduate-level design courses, which focus on advanced topics such as design theory, history, and interdisciplinary practices. These courses are designed to equip students with both the conceptual and practical skills needed to excel in the competitive global design market.

At Central Academy of Fine Arts, design education is deeply integrated with fine arts and architecture, allowing students to work across different mediums and explore the intersections between design and other artistic practices. This cross-disciplinary approach enables students to develop a holistic understanding of the creative industries and prepares them for leadership roles in design and innovation. The new CAFA Art Museum, designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki,  opened in October 2008 for the University’s 90th anniversary. The new six-floor museum has several notable collections, including over 2,000 historic Chinese scroll paintings from the Ming Dynasty.

CAFA‘s Library has a long history. As one of the largest professional libraries in China it has 360,000 books and paintings, whose special collection includes woodblock New Year pictures, string-bound ancient books with illustrations, rubbings from stone-engraved portraits of Han Dynasty, tablets of various dynasties and the first-hand copies from engraved seals, etc. The library has reading rooms for art books, social science books and magazines and multi-media reading. The library provides CJFD and CDMD of CNKI e-books on the Shushing website, National Palace Museum-Online and Taiwan Doctor/Master Dissertations Database and its own fine arts reference full-text database and dissertation names.

KEY TEAM

The leadership of CAFA consists of prominent figures in the art and academic fields. Pan Gongkai serves as the President of Central Academy of Fine Arts, overseeing the strategic direction and academic development of the institution. Xu Bing, a renowned contemporary artist, is the Vice-President, contributing his expertise to the Academy’s growth. Jin Shangyi, the former President of CAFA and a highly influential artist, continues to serve as the Director of the Academic Board. Yang Li is the Secretary of the Party Committee, ensuring the Academy’s alignment with national educational policies.

JOB INTEGRATION SERVICES

Central Academy of Fine Arts places a strong emphasis on integrating education with career development. The Academy works closely with industry partners, offering students opportunities to gain practical experience through internships and collaborative projects. Central Academy of Fine Arts also organises career fairs, workshops, and seminars where students can connect with potential employers in the art, design, and cultural sectors. These events help students navigate the professional world and secure positions that align with their career goals. The Academy’s robust alumni network further enhances job integration services. Graduates of CAFA are often in high demand due to the institution’s reputation for producing highly skilled and innovative professionals.

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