HSE University and Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency Explore New Avenues for Collaboration

On July 30, 2025, representatives from HSE University and Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency (CEA) held a joint meeting to discuss opportunities for collaboration in creative education and cultural exchange.

HSE University was represented by Marina Batalina, Head of the Office for International Cooperation, and Natalia Logutova, Deputy Director of the Institute for Creative Industries Development at the Faculty of Creative Industries. From Thailand, Ms. Imhathai Kunjina, Director of the Chiang Mai Office of the Creative Economy Agency, attended the meeting. The event took place at the HSE Art and Design School and was held with the support of the Royal Thai Embassy in Russia.

The Creative Economy Agency is a leading Thai government organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the development of creative industries throughout the country. Its mission includes empowering creative communities, fostering sustainable local development, and building global partnerships to advance Thailand’s cultural and economic growth. The agency organizes several regional design weeks, including Bangkok Design Week, Pakk Taii Design Week (Southern Thailand), Isan Design Creative Festival (Northeast Thailand), and Chiang Mai Design Week (Northern Thailand).

Natalia Logutova and Marina Batalina presented HSE University’s approach to creative education, illustrating it through the HSE Art and Design School at the Faculty of Creative Industries. They emphasized the importance of project-based learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong connections with industry.

Ms. Kunjina highlighted several challenges faced by graduates in creative fields in Thailand, particularly their lack of business knowledge:
“Many graduates struggle to enter the workforce because they lack an understanding of business realities. Integrating business skills into creative education is essential, and we believe project-based learning and internships play a vital role.”

The participants also shared examples of successful international collaborations, including joint exhibitions, artist residencies, and educational programs involving partners from Japan, Taiwan, Laos, France, and Russia. One project presented by the Thai side combined traditional crafts with modern design, inspired by the Japanese Mingei philosophy and supported by the Japan Foundation. In turn, HSE representatives highlighted the Faculty’s expanding partnerships with universities across Asia and Europe.

Both sides discussed the potential to expand cooperation through academic exchanges, joint exhibitions, creative business matching programs, and digital platforms such as DAFES, which facilitate the global presentation of creative work. Natalia Logutova emphasized the importance of linking academic programs with real-world industry experience to foster innovation and strengthen the creative economies of both countries. Marina Batalina highlighted the role of international collaborations in developing educational programs that prepare students not only as artists and designers but also as entrepreneurs and future leaders in the creative industries.

A key topic of the meeting was the upcoming Chiang Mai Design Week, Thailand’s first annual design festival, held every December. The event centers on the theme “Local+,” emphasizing collaboration between local traditions and global innovations.

Ms. Kunjina noted:
“Chiang Mai Design Week is a platform that unites local artisans with international experts. It supports creative communities, promotes sustainable living practices, and addresses social challenges such as population aging and climate change, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the regions. The festival generates over 1.3 billion baht and attracts participants from 12 countries, highlighting its growing international significance.”

The meeting ended with the Thai delegation touring the HSE Art Gallery and the HSE Art and Design Store. Both parties agreed to continue discussions on the practical aspects of future collaboration, including participation formats and organizational support for upcoming events. They also agreed to initiate partnership activities through HSE University’s digital platforms, exchange projects and expertise, and explore opportunities for organizing exhibitions, workshops, and competitions as part of the Chiang Mai Design Week in December.