Recently, Ivy League Alliance of Asia-Pacific Designers Federation has taken another step forward in its development! Nanjing University of the Arts has officially signed a cooperation agreement, becoming the newest member of the alliance. APDF Ivy League of Universities now brings together top institutions from both China and abroad, such as the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Communication University of China, University of Rome, Universidad de Chile, and IE School of Architecture and Design in Spain, etc. It is believed that this collaboration with Nanjing University of the Arts will deeply integrate industry development with academic education, opening up more possibilities for the future of design education and talent cultivation.

The Main Gate of Nanjing University of the Arts

Nanjing University of the Arts, abbreviated as "NUA" ， is a public comprehensive higher education institution located in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. It is jointly established by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China and the People's Government of Jiangsu Province. As the first independent and continuously operating higher education institution of its kind in China, it has a history of over a century. The university's strength in the arts disciplines consistently ranks among the top in Chinese universities. It is considered the leading institution among China's six major art schools and is included in several prestigious programs, including Jiangsu's High-Level University Construction Peak Plan, the National Talent Cultivation Mode Innovation Experimental Zone, the Ministry of Education's "Double Ten Thousand Plan," the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's "Cultural and Tourism Research" base, Jiangsu University's Cultural Creative Collaboration Innovation Center, the first batch of new high-end think tanks in Jiangsu, and the Jiangsu University Advantageous Discipline Construction Project.

The predecessor of the School of Design at Nanjing University of the Arts can be traced back to the Craft Pattern Department established at Shanghai Art School in the 1920s. With a long history and a clear academic lineage, it has played a significant role in the development of art education. Over more than a century of academic progress, from the educational philosophy of "Broad, Simple, Deep, and Beautiful" proposed by Cai Yuanpei to the educational spirit of "Endless Change" advanced by Liu Haisu, Nanjing University of the Arts has cultivated generations of outstanding artistic talents.

Within this developmental trajectory, the design education philosophy and academic foundation laid by renowned masters such as Chen Zhifo, Zhang Daoyi, Wu Shan, and Xi Chuanji remain fundamental to the School of Design. Many distinguished scholars and leaders in the field of design from art universities nationwide have strong connections with Nanjing University of the Arts. They have studied, taught, and exchanged ideas here, further spreading its distinctive characteristics and experiences across the country.

The School of Design leverages its comprehensive resource advantages by driving professional teaching through strong research, promoting educational reforms through experimental teaching, cultivating innovative talents through applied training, and achieving the transformation of research into practical applications through horizontal cooperation. The school has developed a distinct academic profile in research areas such as traditional Chinese design theory and modern design practice, experimental design research, and design history.

The talent cultivation philosophy emphasizes "solid foundations, experimental priority, modern orientation, and model innovation," creating a professional profile that is both strong in fundamentals and directed toward future trends. Its experimental teaching system, innovative talent development models, design foundational courses, and graduation exhibitions have become exemplary cases and discussion points for art and design schools nationwide.

The Exterior of the Nanjing University of the Arts Museum

The Interior Space of the Nanjing University of the Arts Museum

"Visual Daily" international design education series academic event at Nanjing University of the Arts

Student Works Exhibition at Nanjing University of the Arts

In recent years, the academy has actively promoted international collaboration and exchange, aiming to enhance the quality of education through partnerships with top institutions worldwide and to provide students with more diverse learning platforms. Here, diverse philosophies and artistic styles converge and merge, sparking numerous creative and innovative design inspirations

APDF has long been committed to promoting the collaborative development of design education, integrating academia, industry, and research. Over the years, it has partnered with numerous universities at home and abroad, fostering connections and pooling resources to create broader academic exchange and practice platforms for faculty and students. By aligning teaching content closely with real-world design needs, the alliance has successfully nurtured outstanding design talents who are better equipped to meet the demands of the industry.

APDF Annual Master Forum Event at the Bird's Nest Cultural Center

Looking ahead, APDF and Nanjing University of the Arts will join forces to integrate systematic education with industry resources. This partnership aims to provide high-quality learning content and environments for design students, fostering well-rounded talent that balances theory and practice. Together, they aspire to meet the industry's diverse talent demands by cultivating multidisciplinary design professionals.

APDF Master Public Welfare Lecture Series at Huaqiao University

APDF Education Center Study Tours / Research and Study Programs

The Ivy League Alliance of the Asia-Pacific Designers Federation will play a crucial role in promoting design education and industrial development in the Asia-Pacific region. Through the joint efforts of its member universities, the alliance will continuously explore innovative models for design education, improve the quality of design talent development, and contribute the wisdom and strength of the Asia-Pacific region to global design advancement. It aims to showcase the unique charm and value of the Asia-Pacific region on the international design stage, leading the future of design education in the region to even greater heights.

APDF Master Public Welfare Lecture Series Group Photo with Faculty and Students of Huaqiao University