During May 18–23, 2025, a delegation from Greece, including Prof. Erato Hadjisavva, Rector of the Athens School of Fine Arts (ASFA), Prof. Melanitis, Associate Professor of ASFA, and Ms. Diana Zhong, Head of International Partnerships of Study in Greece (SiG), was invited to visit the Nanjing University of the Arts (NUA). The visit, centered on the theme “A Thousand Years of Canals: From the Grand Canal to the Corinth Canal,” marked a significant step in academic collaboration between the two institutions, building upon the foundation laid during the Sino-Hellenic Higher Education Workshop (2023), co-organized by SiG and the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE).
During the stay, the delegation attended the opening ceremony of NUA’s 10th “520 Graduation Exhibition Carnival” on May 20, 2025, in Nanjing’s Gulou District. This year’s theme, “Embracing AI, Empowering with Digital Intelligence,” showcased the creative works of graduating students across disciplines, alongside performances such as the 15th China Music Golden Bell Awards – Preliminary Competition, a fashion show, and a pop music festival.
Prof. Melanitis further enriched the exchange with a captivating workshop at the School of Adult and Lifelong Education, exploring artistic inspiration drawn from the historic Grand Canal of China and Greece’s Corinth Canal. His lectures highlighted the shared cultural and aesthetic resonances between the two civilizations.
A pivotal meeting between the Greek delegation and NUA’s leadership, including Vice Rector Prof. ZHANG Linghao (Ms), Director of the International Office Dr. YU Rui (Mr), Deputy Director of International Office of Exchange & Cooperation, Associate Prof. YUAN Yue (Ms), Dean of the Adult and Lifelong Education School, Prof. SUN Jing (Mr), and Vice Dean of the Adult and Lifelong Education School, Prof. JI Peng (Mr), yielded dynamic discussions on deepening institutional ties. Both universities, recognized as their respective nations’ oldest and most prestigious autonomous art institutions, discovered striking commonalities in their missions and aspirations. Building on their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the parties (ASFA and NUA) explored collaborative opportunities such as:
- Faculty exchanges and joint workshops,
- Customized summer schools and short-term study programs,
- Co-organized international exhibitions and art events,
- Potential joint degree programs at the Master’s and PhD levels.
The dialogue was marked by mutual enthusiasm and a shared commitment to advancing cross-cultural artistic innovation.
Ms. Zhong from SiG concluded the visit with a presentation on Greek culture, higher education opportunities, and the international study programs offered by the Greek universities for NUA students, encouraging them to consider Greece as a destination for further artistic development.
As the delegation’s visit concluded, Study in Greece (SiG) expressed hopes for deeper artistic collaboration between the two nations, emphasizing that as Greece and China represent foundational civilizations of the West and East respectively, their continued cultural dialogue holds special significance for global arts education.
Institutional Backgrounds:
Nanjing University of the Arts (NUA)
Founded in 1912, NUA stands among China’s foremost art academies, with 16 schools spanning fine arts, design, and performing arts. Its 10,000+ students benefit from cutting-edge facilities and a legacy of nurturing leaders in China’s cultural landscape.
Athens School of Fine Arts (ASFA)
Established in 1837, ASFA is Greece’s preeminent art institution, renowned for its avant-garde ethos and global influence. Its historic studios and workshops have produced iconic figures in modern art.
