As early summer brought a spirit of creativity and cultural exchange, a delegation from France-based AD Education, led by Ms. Brigitte Lioret, Director of International Affairs, and Mr. Shan Jun Zhang, China Regional Director, visited Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University (JXSTNU) on June 1, 2026. The visit was actively facilitated and coordinated by Elubao Education Group (Elubao). The delegation was warmly received by Zheng Pengwu, Vice President of JXSTNU; Zhang Limu, Head of the International Office and Dean of the School of International Education; Li Guangzhen, Party Secretary of the School of Fine Arts; and representatives from relevant schools and departments. Both parties held in-depth discussions on new pathways for China-France collaboration in arts education and talent development.
Mr. Xu Fan, Chairman of Elubao, together with Mr. Liu Zhigang, Director of Global Affairs, and Ms. Zhang Xuan, Project Manager, participated throughout the visit and provided strong support to ensure a smooth and productive exchange.
01 Appreciating Artistic Excellence
The visit began with a tour of the Lin Art Museum and the teaching and exhibition facilities of the School of Fine Arts, accompanied by Vice President Zheng Pengwu. During the visit, Ms. Brigitte Lioret and her delegation gained first-hand insight into the university’s achievements in arts education, artistic creation, and cultural development. The Lin Art Museum was founded by Professor Zhi Lin, former Dean of the School of Fine Arts at JXSTNU. Professor Zhi Lin is a distinguished scholar, doctoral supervisor, recipient of the State Council Special Government Allowance, specially appointed “Jinggang Scholar” of Jiangxi Province, and a cultural leader selected for Jiangxi Province’s “Ganpo Talent 555 Program.” He has also been awarded the honorary title of “Master Craftsman of a Great Nation” by People’s Daily and People.cn. Renowned for his accomplishments in ceramic art, lacquer painting, and oil painting, Professor Zhi Lin has made significant contributions to the development of contemporary Chinese art.
During the tour, the delegation viewed a selection of Professor Zhi Lin’s recent works, including ceramics, lacquer paintings, and oil paintings, while learning about the artistic concepts and cultural significance behind each piece. From the creative adaptation of traditional motifs to the innovative use of contemporary artistic techniques, the works vividly reflected the spirit of Chinese craftsmanship and the distinctive elegance of Eastern aesthetics, prompting members of the delegation to stop frequently and admire them. Ms. Lioret spoke highly of Professor Zhi Lin’s artistic achievements, noting that the profound cultural heritage embodied in Chinese artistic creation was both impressive and inspiring.
02 Sharing Insights and Shaping a Vision for Cooperation
Following the tour, representatives from both parties held a cooperation meeting in the conference room of the School of Fine Arts at JXSTNU. The meeting was chaired by Professor Zhang Limu, Head of the International Office and Dean of the School of International Education.
During the meeting, promotional videos introducing AD Education, École de Condé, and JXSTNU were presented. Mr. Li Guangzhen, Party Secretary of the School of Fine Arts, provided a comprehensive overview of the School’s development history, academic programs, faculty resources, industry–education integration initiatives, and achievements in talent cultivation. Mr. Shan Jun Zhang then introduced École de Condé’s academic credentials, curriculum structure, industry partnerships, and international talent development model.
In her remarks, Ms. Brigitte Lioret provided an overview of AD Education and its flagship member institution, École de Condé. She noted that both institutions place strong emphasis on industry–education integration and the cultivation of internationally minded talent, creating a solid foundation for future collaboration. She expressed her hope that substantive cooperation projects could be moved forward soon.
Vice President Zheng Pengwu highlighted the university’s educational mission, achievements in international cooperation, and strengths in arts-related disciplines. He stated that JXSTNU and AD Education share compatible educational philosophies and complementary academic strengths, providing a strong basis for collaboration. He expressed the hope that this visit would serve as an opportunity to deepen cooperation in faculty development, curriculum design, practical training, and student exchange, while accelerating the implementation of joint initiatives to cultivate innovative design professionals with global perspectives.
Both parties engaged in extensive discussions on potential areas of cooperation, such as cooperative education and student exchanges, reached broad agreement, and clarified subsequent work arrangements, laying a solid foundation for the advancement of future projects.
At the conclusion of the meeting, representatives of both parties exchanged commemorative gifts and gathered for a group photograph.
03 Deepening Exchanges and Building International Partnerships
In the afternoon, the delegation visited Elubao, where discussions were held on strengthening connections and resource sharing between Chinese and French institutions in the field of arts education. During the meeting, Ms. Lioret spoke highly of Elubao’s role as a bridge in facilitating and coordinating the exchange. She noted that the visit had provided a valuable opportunity to further strengthen ties between AD Education and Chinese universities, while exploring new possibilities for the integration and complementary development of high-quality educational resources. Chairman Xu Fan reaffirmed Elubao’s commitment to advancing China–France cooperation in arts education through professional services and strategic collaboration. He stated that Elubao will continue to support Chinese universities in enhancing their internationalization efforts, contributing to higher levels of educational openness and broader international cooperation in the education sector.
Following the meeting, representatives gathered for a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.
Headquartered in Paris, AD Education is one of Europe’s leading higher education networks. Established in 2009, AD Education comprises more than 20 institutions and 74 campuses across nine European countries, serving over 46,000 students. AD Education specializes in fields including creative design, engineering, luxury management, media, and beauty innovation, offering programmes at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
Founded in 1989, École de Condé is a flagship member institution of AD Education. With 12 campuses and more than 4,000 students, École de Condé offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in design-related disciplines. Supported by a network of over 5,600 international corporate partners and industry professionals, École de Condé integrates practical learning into its educational approach. To date, it has educated more than 10,000 graduates, many of whom have gone on to build successful careers in international design, fashion, and luxury sectors.