Chula Strengthens Strategic Partnerships in Art and Design with Tsinghua and CAFA 

On March 18, 2026, Prof. Wu Qiong, Dean of the Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University, welcomed Prof. Dr. Kumkom Pornprasit, Dean of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University, along with faculty members. A meeting was held to explore collaborative approaches in art for sustainable development between Thailand and the People’s Republic of China. 

The Tsinghua delegation included the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, the Head of the Sculpture Department, the Director of the Tsinghua University Art Institute at the Milan campus in Italy, and two additional art faculty members. The Chulalongkorn delegation included the Vice Dean for International Affairs, the Vice Dean for Administration, the Vice Dean for Special Affairs, the Assistant Dean for International Affairs, the Chair of the International Art Therapy Program, department heads, and faculty members from the Creative Arts and Visual Arts departments, totaling 10 participants. 

The Academy of Arts and Design at Tsinghua University is ranked 14th in the world in Art & Design by QS Ranking by Subject, 1st in China, and 3rd globally in Art History. 

Key discussion points included: 

• In 2027, Tsinghua University expressed its willingness to host a celebration in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s 72nd birthday at Chulalongkorn University. 
• The Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University, and Tsinghua University will co-host their first International Symposium on Art and Design. 
• Chulalongkorn University will send faculty members to participate in an art exhibition in mid-2026. 
• Both institutions will sign an academic cooperation agreement by 2026. 
• Tsinghua University is interested in sending students to enroll in non-degree summer programs. 

On March 19, 2026, Prof. Dr. Kumkom Pornprasit and faculty members met with executives from the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA). They were welcomed by Liang Lisha, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Faculty of Art Management and Education, along with Prof. Zhao Li (Vice Dean), Prof. Wang Qian (Director of the Faculty Office), Prof. Zhang Xuan (Head of the Art Therapy Program and Deputy Director of the Art Therapy Research Center), and Ding Yuan (Professor of Design Studies, School of Architecture). 

CAFA is the top national art institution in China and is ranked 17th globally by QS Ranking by Subject. Discussions focused on fostering long-term collaboration in art—especially fine arts—between the two institutions, including cooperation in art therapy, art education, and cross-cultural research. Both sides exchanged knowledge, with CAFA presenting systematic advancements in art therapy curriculum development, while Chulalongkorn shared approaches to using art for healing within the Thai social context. 

On March 21, 2026, the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University, established academic collaboration with the Tsinghua (Qingdao) Academy of Arts and Science Innovation Research. Prof. Dr. Kumkom Pornprasit delivered opening remarks at the Asia-Pacific International Academic Symposium on Art Therapy and the Emotional Art Exhibition, alongside Prof. Dong Erdan (President of the University of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine), Prof. Jin Hui (Dean, School of Fine Arts, Minjiang University), Prof. Liu Dan (Dean, School of Art, Northeast Agricultural University), and Prof. Wang Jiansong (Dean of the Tsinghua Qingdao Academy). 

At the symposium, former Dean Dr. Bussakorn Binson delivered a lecture titled “When No One Holds the Heart, Art Does!” The event also featured presentations and discussions on art as a therapeutic tool for healthcare, mental health rehabilitation, social engagement, the spiritual value of music, local contemporary art policy, art in public spaces, research methodologies, teaching practices, and the integration of AI with art. A total of 18 speakers from Thailand and abroad participated, with approximately 200 attendees. 

This academic collaboration aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including: 

• Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being 
• Goal 4: Quality Education 
• Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities 
• Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions 
• Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals 

It highlights the integration of art therapy, education, and international collaboration in promoting mental well-being, equitable access to learning, and sustainable social development in today’s global context. 

The Tsinghua (Qingdao) Academy of Arts and Science Innovation Research is a global design knowledge hub and the only one of its kind in Shandong Province. It was established as a new platform for education and research that integrates art, science, and technology (Art–Science Integration). The campus includes 15 large buildings equipped with laboratories and innovation centers, forming a comprehensive innovation ecosystem encompassing research, design, art, technology, prototyping, business incubation, and cultural exchange. 

This collaboration marks a significant step forward for the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts in advancing international cooperation in art, innovation, and art therapy with leading institutions in China. It is expected to lead to concrete developments in teaching, research, and personnel exchange, while strengthening academic networks between the two countries and enhancing the global potential of students and faculty. All parties are committed to sustaining this collaboration to create value for society and support sustainable development.

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