China Central Academy of Fine Arts or CAFA (Chinese: 中央美术学院) is the only advanced academy of fine arts under direct charge of Department of Education in China. It was founded in April, 1950, as a result of merger between National Art School in Beiping (国立北平艺术专科学校) and the department of fine arts at third campus of North China University. Mao Zedong wrote the school name. The history of "National Art School in Beiping" might date back to the founding of "National School of Fine Arts in Beijing" in 1918, advocated by the notable educator, Cai Yuanpei. It was the first national school of fine arts in Chinese history, and also the beginning of Chinese modern education of fine arts. The former principals of CAFA include Xu Beihong, Jiang Feng, Wu Zuoren, Gu Yuan and Ji Shangyi. Current president is the painter and historian of fine arts, Prof. Pan Gongkai. Current Vice President is renowned contemporary artist, Xu Bing. Current secretary of CPC's committee is Yang Li. Current director of academic commission is the oil painter, Prof. Ji Shangyi.

The academy now comprises six specialty schools, i.e., School of Fine Art, School of Chinese Painting, School of Design, School of Architecture, School of Humanities, School of City Design. A post-graduate education school and a high school of fine arts are also affiliated. There are 534 teachers and staffs, over 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students, and over 100 international students at school. Its museum of fine arts boasts precious collections, including more than 2,000 Chinese scroll paintings since Ming Dynasty. CCAFA edits, publishes and distributes two national first-class academic magazines, "Fine Arts Study" and "Fine Arts of the World".

The new CAFA Art Museum, designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, is located at the northeast corner of CAFA campus at No.8, Huajiadi Nan Street, Wangjing, covering an area of 3546 m2, with total floor area of 14777 m2. The Museum opened in October 2008, for the University's 90th anniversary. The museum hosts rotating exhibitions. Tickets are 10 RMB.

[edit] External links

• Official website of CAFA
• CAFA Museum website