Recently, Professor Caterina Coluccio, China Relations Coordinator of Accademia di Belle Arti di Bologna in Italy, led a delegation on an exchange visit to Huzhou Normal University. Vice President Li Qingfeng met with the delegation, with representatives from International Exchange and Cooperation Office and the School of Art attending the meeting.

　　On behalf of the university, Vice President Li Qingfeng extended a warm welcome to the delegation and briefly introduced the distinctive features of Huzhou city, the university’s educational philosophy, academic characteristics, and its international development strategy. He noted that Italy is a cradle of the Renaissance and a hub of art education, and that Accademia di Belle Arti di Bologna enjoys a long history and global reputation. The university maintains smooth exchange mechanisms with Italian universities and has a solid foundation for cooperation. He expressed the hope that this visit would serve as an opportunity to deepen collaboration between the two universities in areas such as faculty and student exchanges, joint curriculum development, and academic synergy, thereby contributing to cultural and educational exchanges between China and Italy.

　　Professor Caterina Coluccio thanked Huzhou Normal University for its warm hospitality and spoke highly of its academic strength and achievements in art disciplines. She introduced the academy’s advantages in painting, illustration, and design, as well as its experience in international institutional operation. She expressed her willingness to work with Huzhou Normal University to build a stable and effective cooperation platform, promote joint training of artistic talents and sharing of academic resources, and foster deeper integration of Chinese and Italian art and culture.

　　During the meeting, both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as faculty and student visits, joint training programs, and art workshop development, reaching broad consensus. A memorandum of cooperation was formally signed, laying a solid foundation for practical collaboration in the future. After the meeting, the delegation toured the School of Art.

　　Accademia di Belle Arti di Bologna was established between 1710 and 1711, originating from the Bolognese School established by the three Carracci. As the birthplace of the Bolognese School of painting, it had a profound impact on the development of European and world art. In 1711, it was recognized by Pope Clement XI and renamed the Clementina Academy. Today, it stands as one of Italy’s highest institutions for art education and a world-leading fine arts academy.