Public Art

In 1958, the Central South College of Fine Arts moved south from Wuhan to Guangzhou and was renamed the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts. In 2023, after review and approval by the Academic Degrees Committee of The State Council, six new degree authorization points were adjusted and added. Two degree authorization points will be approved in 2024. At present, the school has a total of 3 doctoral degree authorization points, including 2 first-level disciplines authorized for doctoral degrees (Art Studies and Design Studies), and 1 category authorized for doctoral professional degrees (Fine Arts and Calligraphy). There are 9 master's degree authorization points, including 3 first-level disciplines for master's degree authorization (Art Studies, Design Studies, and Architecture), and 6 master's professional degree authorization categories (Fine Arts and Calligraphy, Design, Drama and Film, Museum, Landscape Architecture, and Education). The school has a postdoctoral research station for art studies.  

Public art is an interdisciplinary art form that takes public space as the carrier and public participation as the core. It breaks through the limitations of traditional easel art and intervenes in public Spaces such as urban squares, streets, and building facades through forms like sculpture, installation, multimedia interaction, and community art projects, combining artistry, functionality, and the expression of social issues. Its essence is "a dialogue between art and the public", such as exploring environmental issues through street interactive installations or recreating the cultural memories of old communities with murals. Compared with pure art, public art places more emphasis on the integration of works with the environment, the emotional connection with the public, and the ability to transform social Spaces.

The predecessor of Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts was Central South College of Fine Arts. It was established in Wuhan, Hubei Province in 1953 in accordance with the national construction layout as a specialized art college. At that time, it was formed by the merger of relevant departments and personnel from Central South College of Literature and Art, South China People's College of Literature and Art, Guangxi Provincial Art College and other institutions. The first principal was Hu Yichuan, a renowned revolutionary artist who participated in the Yan 'an Literature and Art Symposium. The first vice principals were Yang Qiuren, a famous oil painter, Guan Shanyue and Yang Taiyang, two famous traditional Chinese painters

3 Steps to Apply to a Chinese University

1. Non-chinese citizens holding valid foreign passports and meeting the relevant requirements of the "Notice of the Ministry of Education on Regulating the Work of Accepting International Students in Our Higher Education Institutions" (Jiao Wai Han [2020] No. 12).

2. Good health is required, and one must meet the physical examination standards for applying for a study visa or residence permit to China.

3. High school graduation or above.

4. Be friendly to China, abide by laws and regulations, have good conduct, be diligent and eager to learn, have excellent academic performance, no record of violating school rules and regulations, no public security penalties, and no criminal record.

5. The score of the Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) must reach level 5 or 6 (180 points or above). Some candidates from independent Chinese secondary schools in Malaysia are exempted from the Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK).

Those who are under 18 years old by September 1, 2025, need to provide a guardian's guarantee letter.

1. Application Form for Admission of International Students to Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts (downloadable from the website of International Cooperation and Exchange Office, http://wsc.gzarts.edu.cn).

2. The first page of a valid ordinary passport (the validity period of the passport should be later than December 1, 2025), the valid visa page or residence permit page, and the entry stamp page (required for students in China).

3. High school graduation (including high school and above) academic qualification documents. Fresh graduates can first provide a pre-graduation certificate issued by their school.

4. Transcripts of all courses taken during high school (including complete transcripts issued by the highest academic institution).

5. HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test) Level 5 or 6 certificate (valid for 2 years).

6. Personal statement (including self-introduction, educational background, hobbies, learning goals, reasons for application and career plans after graduation, etc.).

7. One recommendation letter from the principal of the graduate school and one from the class teacher or subject teacher.

8. Four one-inch, bareheaded, white-background color photos taken within the last six months.

9. Personal Works:

① Original artworks of the three subjects: color, sketch and quick sketch, with at least 3 pieces for each subject.

② Work size: no less than 38cm*26.5cm (8-page), no more than 53cm*38cm (4-page);

③ Sketch works must include one head portrait, and color works must include one still life combination.

④ A collection of paintings or design works may be attached.

10. Letter of Commitment (downloadable from the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange website http://wsc.gzarts.edu.cn).

11. Other supporting materials that may be required to be submitted.