The prestigious École Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts has become TNUA’s 36th sister school after both sides signed an MOU in Taipei on Nov. 23 to promote mutual exchange and cooperation.
Prof. Henry-Claude Cousseau, director of the Paris, France-based school, received a warm welcome as he arrived at TNUA to sign the MOU with his counterpart, Prof. Ju Tzong-Ching.
The TNUA president noted that the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts represents the pinnacle of arts institutions in France, and is also one of the most prestigious arts schools in the world.
The highly respected Prof. Cousseau managed many museums before becoming director of the school in 2000, and he has devoted much effort to the development of contemporary art, Prof. Ju pointed out.
Prof. Ju said he hopes the signing of the MOU will open up multiple channels for collaboration between the two sides in both academic affairs and exhibitions in the future.
Prof. Cousseau remarked that it was his fourth visit to Taiwan, but the first to TNUA. He said he was glad to see both sides become sister schools and looked forward to further interaction between them. He said future exchanges may cover students, teachers and joint curation of exhibitions.
Prof. Cousseau also was given a guided tour of the TNUA campus, visiting the Center for Art and Techno-logy, the Concert Hall, and the KDMoFA. He said he was impressed by the campus and its professional facilities.
A music lover, Prof. Cousseau was excited by the sight of the pipe organ at the Concert Hall, and played a beautiful piece on it with marvelous skills to delight the hosts.
Prof. Cousseau later gave a talk to introduce the history of the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts and its latest developments.
The École Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts was founded by King Louis XIV of France in the 17th century, and has since nurtured numerous artists.