From September 22 to 27, at the invitation of several universities and institutions including the University of Barcelona, HEAD – Genève (Haute École d'art et de design de Genève), and the University of Seville, Zhang Xin, Party Secretary of Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication (BIGC), led a delegation to visit Switzerland and Spain. During the visit, the delegation attended the 2025 China–Europe Talent Forum, held in-depth discussions with universities and institutions to strengthen cooperation, and signed multiple memoranda of understanding.
Participation in the 2025 China–Europe Talent Forum
Zhang Xin and his delegation attended the China–Europe Talent Forum held in Madrid, where they participated in thematic discussions on AI and talent development, signed cooperation agreements, and shared innovative practices and forward-looking insights on cultivating high-caliber publishing and media professionals with Chinese characteristics.
Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with ESCAC, University of Barcelona
The BIGC School of Design and Art officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Escola Superior de Cinema i Audiovisuals de Catalunya (ESCAC), University of Barcelona. The two institutions will establish a comprehensive partnership in areas such as joint master's and doctoral training, academic exchange, and collaborative research projects. Together, they aim to explore new models for talent development between China and Europe in the fields of creative design and digital and intelligent publishing.
Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Seville
At the University of Seville, Zhang Xin and his delegation held discussions with Bilbao Peña, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Mancera Martínez, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, and Professor Kurt Grötsch. Both sides shared their achievements in education and teaching, scientific research and innovation, and cultural exchange, and conducted consultations on multidisciplinary cooperation. They reached a consensus on areas including faculty and student exchanges, joint talent cultivation, academic resource sharing, and joint applications for research projects. A Memorandum of Understanding was formally signed, and the two sides clarified the progress and follow-up implementation plan for the EU ERASMUS exchange programme.
Zhang Xin and his delegation observed classroom teaching, faculty–student practical sessions, and the achievements of the Faculty of Fine Arts in areas such as cultural relic restoration. They also visited El Golpe, a renowned Spanish design institution, where they held in-depth discussions on topics including innovation and development in the design industry, joint cultivation of design talent, and cooperation on cross-border design projects. The visit explored new pathways for connecting international resources and promoting industrial upgrading in the design sector.
Visit to the Laboratory of the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Seville, and to El Golpe
Zhang Xin and his delegation visited the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Barcelona, and ESCAC, University of Barcelona. They held discussions with Josep Cerda Ferre, Lifetime Honorary Professor of the University of Barcelona and Dean of the Doctoral School, as well as Aritz Lekuona Alonso, International Director of ESCAC, among others. The delegation toured the specialized classrooms, filming centers, and post-production laboratories of both institutions, observed teaching sessions and research practices, and exchanged views on topics such as faculty and student exchanges, joint training programmes, and academic collaboration.
Visit to the Faculty of Fine Arts and ESCAC, University of Barcelona
At HEAD – Genève (Haute École d'art et de design de Genève), Zhang Xin and his delegation held in-depth discussions with Lada Umtätter, President of the university, and Zecchin Audrey, Head of International Affairs, focusing on the distinctive characteristics of the two institutions and their achievements and experience in design, artistic practice, and interdisciplinary research. The delegation toured art and design classrooms, professors' studios, and exhibition halls showcasing faculty and student works. Arno Mathies, Head of the Spatial and Communication Design Programme, presented the programme's interdisciplinary design projects and achievements. Both sides engaged in detailed discussions on the specific areas of intended collaboration, defined concrete steps for implementation, and formally reached a cooperation agreement.
Discussion and Exchange at HEAD – Genève
At the École Cantonale d’Art de Lausanne (ECAL), Zhang Xin and his delegation visited classrooms, laboratories, and exhibition halls, and held a meeting with Johanna Grospiron, Head of International Affairs, and Angelo Benedetto, Head of Graphic Design. The two sides engaged in in-depth discussions on the distinctive features and achievements of design and art education, as well as on topics such as curriculum co-development for art disciplines, academic exchange, and curatorial collaboration. They reached a preliminary intention to cooperate in areas including academic exchange and joint creative projects, laying a solid foundation for deeper future collaboration. The visit also aimed to elevate cooperation between the two institutions to a new level in the fields of education, art, publishing, and film.
Visit to ECAL
Zhang Xin and his delegation also visited the Confucius Institute at the University of Geneva, Hélice Hélas Éditeur, and the Art&Fiction Lausanne Office. They held discussions with Guo Chunning, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Geneva, and publishers Stéphane Bovon, Stephane Fretz, and Christian Pellet. The meetings focused on topics such as promoting academic achievements in publication design internationally, joint cultivation of talent in publication design, planning cultural exchange activities related to Chinese culture, and implementing short-term exchange programmes for faculty and students. Consensus was reached on these areas of cooperation, and a Memorandum of Understanding was formally signed.
Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Confucius Institute at the University of Geneva and Hélice Hélas Éditeur
Through this visit to Switzerland and Spain, BIGC further expanded its international influence in the academic fields of design, art, publishing, and communication. The visit showcased its distinctive strengths in education and teaching, talent cultivation, scientific research, and international cooperation, while also optimizing the spatial layout of its global partnerships. By taking the signing of memoranda of understanding and the establishment of cooperative intentions as key initiatives, it broadened its channels of collaboration with European universities and institutions. This has opened up new pathways for the international training of students—such as joint education programmes and overseas internships—and explored new models for international cooperation and research exchange.
