Creative Industries at HSE University Without Borders: HSE Institute for Creative Industries Development and Renmin University of China Discuss New Joint Projects

International cooperation sometimes begins not with the signing of formal agreements, but with an exchange of ideas and tangible projects. During a meeting with a delegation from Renmin University of China (RUC), the HSE Institute for Creative Industries Development presented its model for project-based learning. The day concluded in a setting where this model is most vividly showcased: surrounded by student artwork at a gallery in the Winzavod Contemporary Art Center.

The HSE Institute for Creative Industries Development showed its Chinese colleagues how project-based learning helps student ideas transcend the university walls, transforming into exhibitions, publications, and real-world products.

Even the exchange of souvenirs served as a continuation of this dialogue. All the gifts presented by the Russian hosts were the direct results of project work by HSE students, faculty, and staff.

These included a collectible issue of ART magazine, dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the WAM art book series, and a wimmelbuch about the Durasov House.

One of the final copies of the limited-edition wimmelbuch was presented to the Museum Director at Renmin University of China. Created by students from the "Illustration and Comics" program, the publication won an HSE University award for the best popular science work. It tells the story of the Durasov House, a cultural heritage site located within the university's campus on Pokrovsky Boulevard. The format allows readers to literally travel through time, exploring the building's history through the eyes of contemporary illustrator-designers.

Natalya Logutova, Deputy Director of the Institute for Creative Industries Development, introduced the Chinese delegation to the digital infrastructure supporting project-based learning: the Student Portfolio and the DAFES competition platform. The wimmelbuch, exhibition pieces, and merchandise sold at the HSE Art and Design School store demonstrate how this system operates in practice. A project progresses from a classroom assignment and competitive selection all the way to a gallery space, a retail store, or mass production.

The meeting continued at Winzavod. Accompanied by Tatyana Rivchun, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Creative Industries and Director of the Institute for Creative Industries Development, the delegation visited the exhibition "We Choose \ We Are Chosen". For this showcase, leading Russian art collectors, including Pierre-Christian Brochet, Head of the "Curating and Art Management" program at the Institute, handpicked artworks by HSE Art and Design School students.

In conclusion, the two parties discussed potential educational and creative collaborations between the HSE Institute for Creative Industries Development and Renmin University of China. Joint exhibitions emerged as one of the most promising formats. Such events would bring together students and faculty from both countries, opening up new avenues for dialogue within the global context of contemporary art and the creative industries.

It is safe to say that the conversation about these joint projects is just beginning.