Shanghai Institute of Visual Art

admin October 16, 2021

Introduction

The Shanghai Institute of Visual Art (SIVA), located in Shanghai, China, is a prestigious institution of higher education specializing in visual arts and design. Established in 1995, SIVA has become one of the leading universities in the field, offering a wide range of programs and courses in various disciplines such as fine arts, graphic design, and digital media. The university attracts talented students and distinguished faculty from around the nation. With its dedication to artistic excellence, creative innovation, and cultural exchange, SIVA has solidified its position as a key player in the local and international art and design education landscape.

Founding History

The Shanghai Institute of Visual Art can trace its roots back to the establishment of the Shanghai Teachers College of Fine Arts in 1995. The college aimed to provide specialized education in visual arts and design to support the growing artistic community in Shanghai. Over the years, the institution underwent several changes and expansions, eventually becoming the Shanghai Institute of Visual Art in 2003. Throughout its history, the university has played a significant role in advancing art education, research, and creative expression. It has produced numerous influential artists, designers, innovators, and leaders who have made significant contributions to various artistic disciplines.

Departments

SIVA is renowned for its diverse range of departments and schools, covering various academic disciplines related to visual arts and design. Here are some notable departments within the university:

School of Fine Arts: The School of Fine Arts offers programs in disciplines such as painting, sculpture, and printmaking. It focuses on training students in the principles and practices of fine arts, including artistic techniques, artistic expression, and art history.
School of Design: This school specializes in design education and research. It offers programs in disciplines such as graphic design, industrial design, and fashion design. The school focuses on training students in design principles, creative thinking, and practical applications in various design industries.
School of Digital Media: This school offers programs in digital media, animation, and interactive art. It focuses on training students in digital media techniques, animation production, and interactive art installations.
School of Photography and Film: This school specializes in photography and film education and research. It offers programs in disciplines such as photography, film production, and cinematography. The school focuses on training students in visual storytelling, film production techniques, and photography aesthetics.
School of Visual Culture: This school offers programs in visual culture studies, art criticism, and curatorial practice. It focuses on training students in art theory, art history, and the interpretation of visual culture.

These departments represent just a fraction of the diverse academic offerings at SIVA. The university’s commitment to visual arts and design education, research, and cultural exchange ensures students receive a comprehensive education in their chosen fields.

Courses Offered

SIVA offers a wide variety of courses across its various departments, providing students with ample opportunities to explore their interests and develop expertise in visual arts and design. Here are some notable courses offered at SIVA:

Painting Techniques: This course focuses on the study of painting techniques and artistic expression. Students learn about color theory, composition, and various painting mediums. The course includes practical painting sessions, artistic critiques, and art history analysis to develop practical skills in painting.
Graphic Design: In this course, students delve into the study of graphic design principles and techniques. They learn about typography, layout design, and visual communication. The course includes design projects, design critiques, and visual branding exercises to develop practical skills in graphic design.
Digital Media Production: This course focuses on the study of digital media production and interactive art. Students learn about digital art techniques, multimedia production, and interactive installations. The course includes digital media projects, interactive art exhibitions, and multimedia presentations to develop practical skills in digital media production.
Photography and Film: In this course, students explore the principles and practices of photography and film production. They learn about camera techniques, lighting, and visual storytelling. The course includes photography and film projects, film screenings, and photography exhibitions to develop practical skills in photography and film production.
Visual Culture Studies: This course focuses on the study of visual culture theories and art criticism. Students learn about art history, cultural analysis, and curatorial practices. The course includes research projects, art exhibitions, and critical essays to develop practical skills in visual culture studies.

These courses represent just a fraction of the diverse curriculum available at SIVA. The university’s commitment to visual arts and design education, research, and cultural exchange ensures students receive a well-rounded education, preparing them for successful careers in various artistic and design-related fields.

Summary

The Shanghai Institute of Visual Art, with its dedication to artistic excellence, creative innovation, and cultural exchange, has established itself as a leading university in the field of visual arts and design education. From its beginnings as the Shanghai Teachers College of Fine Arts to its present-day status as a comprehensive university, SIVA has consistently demonstrated its commitment to advancing art education, research, and creative expression. With a diverse range of departments and schools, the university offers a comprehensive academic program that prepares students for success in various artistic and design-related disciplines. Students at SIVA have the opportunity to engage in innovative research, gain practical experience through artistic projects, and contribute to the advancement of visual arts and design. The university’s legacy of excellence and its commitment to education, research, and cultural exchange make it a truly exceptional institution in the local and international art and design education landscape.

Universities in China