RUFA is a constantly growing multidisciplinary and international center that makes its creative skills available to develop international exchanges and experimental research projects, to broaden the perspectives of its students and lecturers. RUFA is a Full Member of CUMULUS, the International Association that connects the best Universities and Academies of design and art in the world. Through CUMULUS, RUFA is committed to contributing to the progress and innovation of higher art education at an international level, thanks also to the possibilities given by the Association to cooperate with foreign Institutions through intercultural projects and exchanges.
Given the growing interest shown by international students for the programs offered by RUFA, starting from the academic year 2019/2020, RUFA has launched Bachelor and Master of Arts programs in English. The Academy promotes internationalization and attracts talented foreign students also by offering them full scholarships, which are awarded to the most deserving candidates.
International students also have the opportunity to attend various short courses, a Summer Academy and a Foundation Year.
Over the years RUFA has created partnerships and projects with foreign Universities and Institutions to enhance the academic experience of its students and to further develop its international dimension. Regarding foreign institutions, these collaborations have been developed through EU Erasmus bilateral agreements and through specific memorandums of understanding.
The Academy also organizes numerous talks, Masterclasses and special events that involve students, lecturers and professionals from all over the world.
During the various editions of RUFA Contest, held to enhance and support the talent of the students of the Academy, world-renowned artists such as Visual Designer Stefan Sagmeister, Product and Interior Designer Karim Rashid, Architect Francis Kéré, Artist Shirin Neshat and photographer David LaChapelle attended as guests of honor and presidents of the jury.
The Academy organizes and hosts several international workshops. SpeculativeEdu’s Neorural Futures research project, funded by the European Commission through the Erasmus + program, is one of the most valuable examples.
Among the various international projects of the Academy, RUFA has developed and reinforced a collaboration with the School of Visual Arts in New York. Through this collaboration RUFA students have the opportunity to go to SVA for ten days, dedicating themselves to design, gaining social and cultural insights, meeting famous designers and visiting studios, to get in touch with different teaching methodologies and gain inputs that are extremely relevant for the global challenge that awaits them.
The Academy also supported FAO international organization by organizing an art and design exhibition entitled “100 works of art for the right to food” at the FAO headquarters in Rome.
RUFA has created a partnership with the Council of the European Union to organize cultural and educational activities and art events, with a specific focus on Cinema.
In addition to the numerous projects already developed, the Academy is always ready to welcome new proposals and challenges at an international level, giving shape to new initiatives and responding to the impulses it receives daily.
The ongoing Erasmus agreements
Austria: FH Joaneum-University of Applied Sciences, Graz – FH Salzburg University of Applied sciences. Belgium: École de recherche graphique, Bruxelles – University College Ghent, KASK School of Arts and Conservatory. Bulgaria: New Bulgarian University. Czech Republic: FAMU, Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. Denmark: The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts (School of Visual Arts) France: École Supérieure des arts modernes. Germany: Hochschule Mainz-University of Applied Sciences – Hoschule fur Gestaltung Offenbach am Main-University of Art and Design. Hungary: University of theatre film art Academy, Budapest. Ireland: National College of Art and Design – IADT. Lithuania: Vilnius Academy of Arts. Poland: University of Warmia and Mazury – The Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Arts and Design in Wroclaw. Portugal: Universidade de Lisboa – Escola superior de artes e design, Porto. Spain: Universitat de Barcelona – Institut del Teatre, Barcelona – Escuela de Arte y Superior de Diseño Gran Canaria – Centro Universitario de Artes TAI, Madrid – Escola d’Art i Superior de Disseny de les Illes Balears, Palma de Mallorca – Escuela de Arte y Superior de Disseny de València. Turkey: Marmara University.
RUFA collaborates also with the following Institutions through various types of agreements
Central Saint Martins- University of Arts (London, United Kingdom); Sichuan Fine Arts Institute (Chongqing, China); Chengdu Academy of Fine Arts (Chengdu, China); Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (Beijing, China); Jilin Animation Institute (Changchun, China); Shanghai Theatre Academy (Shanghai, China); Wollongong Global Network (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia); SVA – School of Visual Arts (New York, USA); Universitatea Pedagogica de Stat Ion Creanga (Chişinău, Moldova); Academy of Music, Theatre and Fine Arts (Chişinău, Moldova); Universidad Mayor de San Simón (Cochabamba, Bolivia); Stieglitz Academy (Saint Petersburg, Russia); Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture for Woman (Pune, India).