A Memorandum of Cooperation in the Field of Jewelry Art Was Signed By INRTU, Irkutsk Branch of the Union of Designers of Russia and China University of Geosciences

The trilateral memorandum was signed by INRTU, the Irkutsk branch of the Union of Designers of Russia and China University of Geosciences. The document is aimed at educational and cultural cooperation in the field of jewelry design and gemology, as well as joint scientific research, exhibitions, creative projects, exchange of students, opening of joint educational programs. The document was signed by Stepan Bykov, Vice-Rector for International Affairs of INRTU, Elena Berman, Chairman of the Irkutsk branch of the Union of Designers of Russia, and Liu Damen, Vice-Rector of the Chinese Geological University (Beijing).

The agreement was signed in Beijing as part of the official visit of the Irkutsk Region delegation led by Governor Igor Kobzev. The delegation included representatives of INRTU headed by Rector Mikhail Korniakov.

It should be reminded that Beijing and Shenyang are hosting a presentation of the economic, investment, tourism, educational and cultural potential of the Irkutsk Region within the framework of the Year of Culture between Russia and China.

INRTU and China University of Geosciences have had a cooperative relationship for over 30 years, starting in 1990 with business contacts made by Raisa Lobatskaya, Head of the Department of Jewelry Design and Technology. In July 2021, the two universities signed a memorandum of understanding in the fields of geology, mineral resources extraction, and environmental protection. The cooperation will now extend to the field of gemology and jewelry art. The Department of Jewelry Design and Technology of INRTU is known as one of the pioneers of the specialty "Technology of Artistic Processing of Materials" in Russia. Students learn about art history, design disciplines, and acquire advanced technological skills in materials processing. They also present their jewelry at national and international exhibitions. The signing of the memorandum is seen as a significant step for the universities, as it will elevate their relationship and lay the groundwork for a joint educational program in jewelry art.

"The Irkutsk branch of the Union of Designers of Russia is interested in expanding contacts with Chinese colleagues who are world-class experts in the field of jewelry design. Exchange of knowledge and practices is important for us. The Union of Designers is ready to organize exhibitions, contests and conferences," announced Elena Berman.

As part of the visit of the First Deputy Chairman of the Irkutsk Region Government Ruslan Sitnikov, representatives of INRTU visited the Central Academy of Fine Arts of China, where they discussed cooperation in the field of creative industries. The Deputy Chairman noted that about a thousand Chinese citizens study at the universities of the Angara region, and many events are held within the framework of joint international projects.

"It is extremely important for us to expand joint international cooperation not only in education, but also in creative industries. The Irkutsk Region is one of the largest cultural centers of Siberia and the Far East. We are interested in developing cooperation with manufacturers of furniture, ceramic tiles and souvenir products, with design studios for the realization of products. We will support the realization of projects by famous Chinese artists who are fond of Russia and our culture, possibly Baikal. With great pleasure we will offer master classes, plein airs, exchange exhibitions and internships for students and teachers of the Central Academy of Fine Arts", stated Ruslan Sitnikov.

Ruslan Sitnikov invited students and teachers of the Central Academy of Fine Arts of China to participate in the autumn session of the International Baikal Winter Urban Planning University, organized by INRTU.

Also 16 author's works of teachers of the Department of Monumental and Decorative Painting and Design of INRTU decorated the exhibition "From Siberia with Love", opened in the framework of the educational project "Word about the Russian Heart", organized by Rossotrudnichestvo.