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Royal College of Art announces Shanghai Centre partnership with Donghua University

Key details

Date

  • 16 March 2026

Author

  • RCA

Read time

  • 1 minute

The RCA Shanghai Centre is centered on high-end educational programmes, educational training and consultancy, industry-university-research cooperation, innovation, business and entrepreneurship education and alumni services.

Key details

Date

  • 16 March 2026

Author

  • RCA

Read time

  • 1 minute
Exterior photo of the DHU campus 2026

The Royal College of Art today announced the launch of the RCA Shanghai Centre - part of an ongoing collaboration with Donghua University centered on high-end educational programmes, educational training and consultancy, industry-university-research cooperation, innovation, business and entrepreneurship education and alumni services.

The launch of the partnership was celebrated with a weekend of activities, including:

  • VitD Leadership Forum for Art and Design, 13 March 2026, bringing together 11 leading institutions from across China to discuss innovation in professional practice and in art & design education.
  • “Global Influence: UK–China Art and Design”, 14 March – 15 May 2026, an exhibition of more than 70 works from RCA Chinese alumni and Donghua University alumni, held in Puyuan Ancient Town.
  • Events hosted at Donghua University for RCA alumni and 2026/7 incoming students.

Further information will be shared about joint initiatives as they are developed.

DHU campus 2026

  • “Shanghai is a global cultural hub and a UNESCO City of Design, and Donghua University has a leading reputation in many areas related to the RCA’s own specialisms, including textiles, materials and design. The launch of the RCA Shanghai Centre is an exciting opportunity for joint initiatives, academic development, cultural exchange and building networks amongst students and alumni. As the world’s leading art and design university, the RCA is committed to championing the international exchange of thinking around art and design - I look forward to seeing the results of this innovative partnership.”

    Professor Christoph Lindner President and Vice-Chancellor of the Royal College of Art

  • “This partnership helps leverage Shanghai’s strategic position as a global hub for scientific and technological innovation, as well as its designation as both the ‘World Design Capital’ and the ‘Fashion Capital’. Donghua University, as a key national institution has achieved outstanding accomplishments in art, design, and fashion education over the past four decades. The Royal College of Art, a global leader in art and design education, offers strong synergies with our institutional strengths, opening up broad and promising avenues for collaboration. The RCA Shanghai Centre marks a significant milestone in the partnership between our two institutions. Together, we aim to establish a world-class, globally oriented hub for the creative industries in Shanghai—as well as a platform for interdisciplinary research.”

    Professor Xiang Yanxun President of Donghua University