Features of the Department
Cultivating professionals in the fields of artistic creation, art theory, art education, and arts administration.
Over the past decade, the Department of Visual Arts and Design has seen significant growth under the leadership of several dedicated chairpersons, including Cai Mao-Song, Wang Duo-Zhi, and Xu He-Jie. Their contributions have helped shape and elevate the department’s standing in fine arts and design education.
1. Academic Programs
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Visual Arts and Design integrates both artistic practice and theoretical study, incorporating digital media and emerging art technologies.
The Master of Arts (MA) in Visual Arts and Design program focuses on research in art theory, artistic practice, and arts administration. Additionally, it aims to prepare future art educators specializing in visual arts.
2. Teaching Materials
All faculty members utilize advanced computer facilities to develop innovative teaching materials, incorporating e-learning methodologies to enhance the educational experience.
3. Facilities and Equipment
The department collaborates with the Department of Information and Learning Technology and the Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering to enrich technological integration in the curriculum.
[ Distinctive Features ]
In 2007 and 2008, the department received N.T.13 million in funding from the Ministry of Education for the "Projects of Cultivating Professional Talent in Play-Oriented Digital Learning Content." This funding significantly enhanced both hardware and software resources and established an industry-oriented learning system, fostering the integration of fine arts with digital learning.
1. Creative Spaces
The department manages two key exhibition spaces:
- Art District of National University of Tainan
- First Gallery
These spaces serve as platforms for teaching, artistic practice, and professional exhibitions.
2. Exhibitions
Faculty members regularly hold solo and group exhibitions, with the annual “Group Exhibition of Professors in Fine Arts” taking place every March. Students are encouraged to organize solo and group exhibitions at the Art District of National University of Tainan and First Gallery. Undergraduate and graduate students also hold annual exhibitions in Tainan City, Taichung, and Tainan, consistently receiving high praise.
3. Research and Academic Presentations
Faculty members are encouraged to apply for research grants and publish their work. The department hosts academic forums, artist talks, and international conferences featuring speakers from Taiwan and abroad.
Notable events include:
- 2006: “The Gaze and Split of Contemporary Art Practice in Taiwan and Hong Kong”
- 2009: “Visual Art Conference”
4. Industry Collaborations
Located in the heart of Tainan Cultural Creative District and near Tainan Technology Industrial Park, the department fosters strong connections with the creative industries. This has led to the development of specialized programs in animation design, supporting students in securing future employment in creative fields.
5. Academic Exchanges
The department actively engages in both domestic and international academic collaborations:
Taiwan: Regular exchanges with institutions such as:
- National Kaohsiung Normal University National Tainan University of Arts (Graduate School of Plastic Arts)
- National Chiayi University
- National Pingtung University of Education
- Tainan University of Technology
- Kun Shan University of Technology (Department of Visual Communication and Space Design)
- International: Faculty and students have participated in exchanges with art institutions in the UK, France, Japan, and China.
From 2004–2009, academic collaborations included partnerships with:
- University of Nice—Sophia Antipolis (France)
- École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (France)
- University Paris 8 (France)
- London Metropolitan University (UK)
