Art Connects Worlds

Joint bachelor's degree program launched officially in China by Alanus University and Lishui University

With a ceremonial event in China, the joint bachelor’s degree program “Art-Education-Therapy” of Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences in Alfter near Bonn and China’s Lishui University has officially been inaugurated. 32 students have begun their studies – a significant step for international cooperation in art and education.

Ceremonial opening in Lishui

For the official opening, President Prof. Dr. Thomas Maschke, Chancellor Michael Schröder, and Prof. Johannes Brunner, Dean of the Department of Fine Arts at Alanus University, traveled to China. Together with President Prof. An Li and Prof. Weifeng Bao, head of the cooperation in Lishui, they celebrated the launch of the new degree program. A special highlight of the event was the appointment of Prof. Weifeng Bao as honorary professor at Alanus University. With this distinction, the university honored his exceptional commitment to establishing and expanding German-Chinese cooperation.

One degree program, two degrees

The degree program, approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education, offers students at Lishui University the opportunity to earn a double degree. After two years of study in Lishui and a preparatory German course, the students spend one year at Alanus University in Alfter. Upon graduation, they receive both a Chinese and a German bachelor’s degree certificate – a unique combination of two educational cultures. Prof. Dr. Thomas Maschke emphasized the importance of the project: “We look forward to a successful collaboration and to the many encounters this cooperation will open up for our students and faculty.”

Art, culture, and sustainability

The city of Lishui is located in China’s Zhejiang province and is known for its long tradition of Longquan celadon ceramics, which UNESCO has recognized as intangible cultural heritage. With forest coverage of nearly 80 percent, Lishui is one of the greenest cities in the country and is strongly committed to sustainability and environmental education.

Lishui University brings together a broad spectrum of departments – from ecology and business to health sciences. The Department of Art is devoted to drama and music as well as the fine arts. Especially exciting is the combination of traditional Chinese art forms such as calligraphy and ink painting with contemporary approaches – an exchange that also promises new impulses for students at Alanus University.

Building bridges through art

With the launch of the joint degree program, Alanus University and Lishui University are deepening their partnership, building cultural bridges and opening up creative learning spaces. The cooperation is exemplary of international dialogue in art, education, and therapy – and of the conviction that art connects people and worlds.

Image gallery:
01: Appointment of Weifeng Bao (right) as honorary professor by Prof. Dr. Thomas Maschke (left).
02: Opening ceremony in Lishui with the students.
03: Inauguration of the Institute for Chinese-German Cooperation in Art and Society with President Prof. An Li (left) and Prof. Dr. Thomas Maschke (right)
04: Opening ceremony in Lishui with the students
Photos © Lishui University

Contact for press inquiries:
+49 (0)2222 9321-1944
presse@alanus.edu

Subscribe to our newsletter!
Receive selected events and news from Alanus University directly in your inbox every month.
→ sign up now