Delegation from Udmurt State University, Russia, Visits UVPA to Explore Future Collaboration

A delegation from Udmurt State University, Russia, visited the University of the Visual and Performing Arts (UVPA) on 4 November 2026 to discuss opportunities for future academic collaboration and strengthen international relations between the two universities. The delegation comprised Prof. Anna V. Ovchinnikova, Acting Rector, and Ms. Mariia Beznosova, Vice-Rector for International Relations. During the visit, discussions focused on exploring potential areas of collaboration, including academic and cultural exchanges, joint research activities, and other opportunities for institutional cooperation. The visit marked an important step towards building stronger international partnerships and creating opportunities for future collaboration between Udmurt State University and the University of the Visual and Performing Arts.

UVPA Welcomes Delegation from Tama Art University, Japan

The University of the Visual and Performing Arts (UVPA) welcomed a delegation from the Department of Sculpture, Tama Art University, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan, on 26 October 2026. The delegation, comprising students and staff members, visited UVPA as part of an international academic and cultural engagement initiative. The visit provided an opportunity to strengthen academic and cultural connections between the two institutions and promote international engagement in the field of visual arts.

UVPA Strengthens International Collaboration with Randolph College, USA

The University of the Visual and Performing Arts (UVPA) signed a non-binding Letter of Intent (LoI) with Randolph College, Virginia, USA, on 5 October 2026, marking an important step towards strengthening its international engagement. This initiative lays the foundation for future academic and cultural collaboration and the development of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions.

Diplomatic Engagements and Prospective Collaborations

The University of the Visual and Performing Arts (UVPA) held discussions with the Ambassadors of Indonesia, Italy, Türkiye, and Nepal on 10 August 2026 as part of its efforts to strengthen international engagement and explore opportunities for future academic and cultural collaboration. These discussions represent an important step towards building international relationships and promoting cooperation in the fields of visual and performing arts.

International Dance Workshop in Collaboration with Italian Artistic Partners

An international dance workshop was conducted for students of the Faculty of Dance and Drama at the University of the Visual and Performing Arts (UVPA) on 6, 7 and 10 August 2026. The workshop was led by Stefano Fardelli, Director of EurAsia Dance Company, in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in Colombo and EurAsia Dance Project International Network ETS.

UVPA Explores International Academic Collaboration with Randolph College, USA

The University of the Visual and Performing Arts (UVPA), through its International Relations Office, held an introductory meeting with Randolph College, Virginia, USA, on 16 July 2026 to explore opportunities for future academic collaboration.

The discussion focused on several potential areas of cooperation, including engaging voluntary visiting professors to support postgraduate supervision and thesis examination, exploring the development of a joint PhD programme, and organizing workshops, seminars, guest lectures, and training programmes for undergraduate students.

Both institutions also agreed to initiate collaboration through a partnership programme as an initial step before considering a broader institutional Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening international academic collaboration, research, postgraduate education, and knowledge exchange between the two institutions.

Delegation from Sichuan Conservatory of Music, China Visits the University of the Visual and Performing Arts

The University of the Visual and Performing Arts (UVPA) had the pleasure of welcoming a distinguished delegation from the Sichuan Conservatory of Music, People’s Republic of China, on 10th June 2026, for a fruitful discussion on strengthening academic and cultural collaboration between the two institutions.

The meeting focused on exploring potential avenues for future cooperation, including student and staff exchange programmes, collaborative research initiatives, joint performances and workshops, curriculum development, and other academic activities that would enhance international engagement in the fields of music and the performing arts.

The discussions reflected a shared commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding and expanding opportunities for students and academics through international partnerships. Both institutions expressed enthusiasm for establishing a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship that would contribute to the advancement of arts education and research.

The delegation from the Sichuan Conservatory of Music included:

  • TAN Xuesheng  –  Vice President, Sichuan Conservatory of Music
  • ZENG Yang –   Deputy Dean of Chengdu Academy of Fine Arts, Sichuan Conservatory of Music
  • YUAN Dian –   International Student Administrator of Cooperation and Exchange Office, Sichuan Conservatory of Music

Representing the University of the Visual and Performing Arts were:

  • Dr. Sathsara Ilangasinghe,- Dean, Faculty of Visual Arts
  • Sarath Fernando – Dean, Faculty of Music
  • Dr. Chani Imbulgoda – Registrar
  • Dr. Kamani Samarasinghe – Director, Centre for International Relations (CIR)
  • Dr. Samitha Herath – Director, University Business Linkage Cell

The University of the Visual and Performing Arts values this opportunity to engage with one of China’s leading institutions in music education and looks forward to the development of meaningful collaborative initiatives in the years ahead.

The International Relations Centre extends its sincere appreciation to all participants for their valuable contributions toward fostering international academic cooperation and cultural exchange.