Partnership with China Academy of Art to boost opportunities in fashion, textiles and design

Manchester Met’s expertise in fashion, textiles and design will be boosted by a new partnership with one of the most prestigious art academies in China.

Visitors from China Academy of Art (CAA) visited Manchester Met to formalise an agreement to work together on teaching and research in design, textiles and fashion, as well as other art disciplines.

The institutions signed a memorandum of understanding which will see them collaborating on future research and teaching activities, including student and staff exchanges.

The agreement consolidates longstanding links with Manchester Met’s Department of Design and CAA’s School of Sculpture and Public Art, which has seen several residencies and visits, joint exhibitions, guest lectures and a journal publication.

As well as continuing its focus on design and textiles, the partnership will explore opportunities for Manchester Met’s Manchester Fashion Institute and CAA’s School of Fashion Design to work together on initiatives such as research and student exchange.

Manchester Met’s Professor Jenny Watling, Pro-Vice-Chancellor International, said: “This visit marks an exciting step forward in our partnership with the China Academy of Art, showcasing our shared commitment to innovation and global collaboration in the creative industries. 

“With our focus on championing creative excellence and fostering international relationships, the partnership aims to open exciting new doors for students, researchers and colleagues from both institutions.” 

After signing the memorandum of understanding, delegates from CAA were given a tour of Manchester Met’s fashion and design facilities, including a preview of Manchester Fashion Institute’s Robotics Living Lab, (RoLL), a new £4m low carbon fashion hub due to open in February 2025.

Founded in 1928, CAA is part of the ‘Double First-Class Construction’ project in China, a higher education sponsorship scheme coordinated by the Chinese central government. The partnership with Manchester Met has been championed by renowned textiles artists Professor Alice Kettle and Kate Egan, from Manchester School of Art.