China Academy of Art charts course to its centennial

The China Academy of Art marks its 98th anniversary with the launch of its annual "CAA Report" at the Nanshan campus in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The China Academy of Art marked its 98th anniversary with the launch of its annual "CAA Report" at the Nanshan campus in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, outlining a focused strategy as it approaches its centennial milestone.

The CAA president Yu Xuhong said the academy will prioritize the integration of art and technology while deepening global artistic exchange, positioning the institution to contribute to innovation and the writing of world art history. Framing the initiative as a response to the demands of the times, he said the CAA aims to accelerate its development into a world-class art institution.

The event unveiled a cluster of major initiatives spanning exhibitions, research, partnerships and heritage.

At the forefront is the fifthChina Design Exhibition and Public Art Thematic Exhibition, a national showcase that will be held in Hangzhou for the first time, underscoring the growing role of design in cultural renewal, industrial transformation and everyday life.

The upcoming design exhibition will extend beyond traditional venues into urban spaces and industrial settings, combining exhibitions with forums, workshops and corporate engagement. It will also spotlight emerging areas such as AI-driven design and immersive cultural experiences, while strengthening international exchange through platforms including theLiangzhu Forum.

The academy also signed a framework agreement with the Xinhua News Agency's Zhejiang bureau to strengthen collaboration in communication and cultural dissemination.

The CAA simultaneously announced the launch of its Renaissance Research Center, which will bring together leading international scholars and institutions to build a major hub for interdisciplinary and cross-cultural research in the Asia-Pacific region.

In parallel, the New Youth Design Co-Creation Initiative was introduced as part of a provincial pilot program integrating education, research and industry, aimed at accelerating the translation of academic outcomes into real-world applications and fostering closer ties with leading technology companies.

Heritage and continuity formed another key focus. The academy launched its Centennial Heritage Plan alongside a donation of 23 artworks by Liu Dan, adding to a two-decade family contribution that now totals 431 works. The initiative seeks to systematically preserve and study artworks and archival materials while calling on alumni worldwide to contribute to the institution's historical record.

Founded in 1928, the CAA is positioning itself for its 100th anniversary by advancing a dual agenda of art-technology integration and global-local synergy. Organizers said the 2026 "CAA Report" marks a shift from reflection to action, as the academy seeks to expand its role in cultural innovation and global dialogue.