HSE Institute for Creative Industries Development and Communication University of Zhejiang Expand Cooperation

From May 21 to 23, HSE University hosted a meeting between representatives of the HSE Institute for Creative Industries Development, the HSE Art and Design School, and a delegation from the Communication University of Zhejiang (CUZ), one of China's leading universities in media, communications, and creative education.

The Chinese delegation included:

Kang Xiuji, Dean and Professor, CUZ School of Design and Arts;
Jin Sheng, Deputy Dean and Associate Professor, CUZ School of Animation and Digital Arts;
Zhu Lifeng, Deputy Dean and Associate Professor, CUZ School of Culture, Creativity and Management;
Wei Yi and Liu Yajing, Associate Professor and Professor, CUZ School of Design and Arts.

This meeting marks another milestone in the evolving partnership between the two universities. The collaboration has been actively developing since 2025, starting with a visit by the Chinese delegation to Moscow, followed by a reciprocal trip by representatives of the HSE Faculty of Creative Industries to the CUZ campuses in Hangzhou and Tongxiang. During this time, the parties signed a cooperation agreement, launched joint projects, and outlined plans to develop international educational initiatives.

The main event took place on May 22. During parallel sessions, CUZ representatives discussed key subject areas with their Russian colleagues from the Institute for Creative Industries Development and the Art and Design School. The Russian side was represented by Olga Vapnyarskaya, Alexey Kukharonok, Dmitry Razbegaev, and Alexander Lartsev in the "Digital Art" and "Visual Communications" tracks. Discussions on "New Media" and "Product Design" featured expert input from Natalya Logutova, Alexander Bagrey, and Maria Stepanova. Additionally, Alexander Bagrey shared his experience in project-based learning and media startup development, highlighting practices that enable students to work on real-world projects during their studies.

The discussions were also attended by Alexander Bystritsky, Dean of the HSE Faculty of Creative Industries, and Tatyana Rivchun, Director of the HSE Institute for Creative Industries Development. The parties touched upon the development of creative industries education, international cooperation, and plans for joint summer schools.

A major highlight was the participation of the CUZ delegation in the Telling Stories International Festival on May 23. The Chinese colleagues served as experts in thematic panels and took part in the award ceremonies for HSE University's creative competitions.

Professor Kang, who led the university delegation, and Professor Liu Yajing have been serving on the juries of HSE University’s international competitions for several years. They encourage their own students to participate, help foster an international professional dialogue, and share their expertise in training young professionals for the creative industries.

A special event at the festival was a discussion dedicated to modern approaches to education in the creative industries, featuring Liu Xiaoxia and representatives of the HSE Institute for Creative Industries Development. This conversation continued a professional dialogue that began earlier in China at the Pingyao International Photography Festival (PIP), where Liu Xiaoxia has curated the international program for many years, collaborating with educational institutions worldwide.

The participants highlighted the vital role of competitions, festivals, and project platforms in the professional development of young specialists. These specific formats allow students to showcase their projects, receive expert feedback, expand their professional networks, and build international career trajectories. This approach is actively promoted at both HSE University and CUZ, and both institutions are determined to take it further.

Expanding the partnership between the two universities will open up new opportunities for students and faculty in both countries, laying the groundwork for joint educational, research, and creative projects in the creative industries.