Art college's status redefines excellence

In 2022, this predisposition led her to the Beijing Senior Technical School of Arts and Crafts founded in 1980. It has recently been upgraded to the Beijing Arts and Crafts Technician College.

The status upgrade makes it one of the country's few technical colleges dedicated solely to arts and crafts education, according to authorities.

Dong's work is among more than 150 pieces on display at the Crafting Dreams, Shaping Futures exhibition. The exhibition opening coincided with the college's inauguration on April 8.

The exhibition features contemporary cultural and creative designs and folk arts highlighting Yanjing Bajue (the eight outstanding imperial handicrafts of Beijing), including cloisonne, jade carving, filigree inlay and gold lacquer inlay, exemplifying the excellence of Chinese arts and artists.

"They are collaborations between more than 20 resident masters and students. It's a manifest of our pedagogy," says Liu Jinfang, principal of the college.

She notes that the college's status will help to better align its educational mission with Beijing's role as a national cultural center.

"With a strong focus on arts and crafts, our school will steadily expand its influence in society while deepening international exchanges and enhancing collaboration between schools and industries," Liu says.

These efforts are expected to attract more young people to engage in the inheritance and development of traditional craftsmanship, contributing to the cultivation of skilled talent for the country's cultural development, she adds.

Liu deems the school's new status as recognition of its past efforts.