International Knowledge Exchange Programme

We are pleased to announce the Roots and Rhythms | Aoshang All-image Village international event, co-organised by the Centre for International Visiting Artists and Scholars (IVAS), the Printmaking Department of the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) and the Aoshang All-image Cultural Initiative.

About the Programme

This programme brings together international artists and academics to explore intercultural creativity in Aoshang Ancient Village. Focusing on the theme "Roots & Rhythms", it invites participants to engage deeply with local culture and environment, blending traditional and contemporary artistic practices. Through workshops, co-creation and public engagement, it will encourage cultural appreciation, collective inspiration and personal artistic development.

Programme details

A series of dynamic International Knowledge Exchange workshops by our panel of academics and artists to explore innovation in arts education across cultures, including the integration of traditional practices and contemporary pedagogy, and the role of cultural practice in rural regeneration.

Dates: 18–22 August 2025

Location: Aoshang All-image Village, Chengzhou, Hunan, China

Programme Fee: £750 per person, includes:

• Workshops

• 5 nights’ accommodation in the 5-star Jing Lun hotel, double sharing

• Full board during the programme

• Daily local transport and venues that are specified in the timetable

• Basic art materials and tools

Fee excludes:

• International flights, Visa and transfer from/to UK airports

• Travel Insurance

• Single room supplements and personal materials

Community Co-creation Activities

• Daily artist-led workshops in printmaking, illustration, film and intercultural communication

• Interactive sessions with residents: open studios, storytelling circles, tea culture dialogues

• Final showcase and exhibition of residency outcomes across village spaces

Supporting Academics and Artists

Professor Wu Jiang - Director of 5th Studio, the Faculty of Printmaking, CAFA. A leading figure in book arts and illustration, with extensive experience curating national exhibitions and shaping arts education in China.

Tan Tan - Lecturer at CAFA; MA, University of the Arts London. Known for her vibrant visual language and expertise in book arts, Tan is actively engaged in both artistic practice and pedagogy.

Marek Budzynski - Filmmaker, London Film School; An acclaimed director and editor whose work spans fiction, documentary, and experimental film. His residency project will involve creating a film with local villagers to document culinary heritage and everyday life.

Minyan Hiam - Co-founder of IVAS, who is a doctoral researcher from the University of Bristol with research interests in international education and global partnerships.

Jeff Crosby - Course Director, BA (Hons) Animation & Illustration, Cambridge School of Art. A storyteller and illustrator with three decades of teaching experience. Jeff’s workshops will explore visual narratives, local folklore and environmentally conscious bookmaking.

Vincent Larkin - Course Leader, BA (Hons) Illustration, Arts University Bournemouth. Vincent’s work explores non-linear storytelling and visual mapping. His residency will invite participants to create personal and collective cartographies of Aoshang’s time and space.

Who Should Apply?

We welcome applications from artists, educators, students and cultural practitioners with a visual arts background or interest in intercultural collaboration. Places are limited and allocated on a rolling basis.

Benefits of participating:

👏 Free 2-Year IVAS Membership (worth £195)

👏Practice-based research Environment, with the opportunity to test methods, engage in creative scholarship, and refine your artistic or academic inquiry.

👏Portfolio and CV enhancement through documented collaboration, co-creation and potential future exhibition and publication.

👏Certificate of Completion

👏Community-based creative practice, engaging in site-responsive artistic research and intercultural co-creation.

👏Time and space to create

👏Inclusion in IVAS Print and Digital Publications, subject to selection.

👏Visibility across the IVAS Platform, with options to present at future symposiums, online showcases and collaborative knowledge projects.

👏Flight, Visa and Travel Planning Support, including onward travel guidance within China for personal or professional extensions of your visit.

👏Workspace and materials access, including basic art tools and local eco-friendly resources.

👏Institutional collaboration opportunities, including pathways for co-curated exhibitions, academic partnerships and transnational learning initiatives.

Key Dates

• Application deadline: 20 July 2025

• Payment deadline: 23 July 2025

  
  

How to Apply

• Email your CV to minyan@ivas.org.uk

• Or contact Minyan Hiam on 07986355489

Timetable

Please note that this is provisional and subject to adjustments based on weather and conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances. Participants will be notified of any changes in advance wherever possible.

Date	Day	Morning (09:30–12:30)	Afternoon (15:00–18:00)	Notes
17 August	Sunday	–	–	14:00–17:00 Check-in at Jinlun Hotel
18 August	Monday	Master Workshop – Session 1	Master Workshop – Session 2	12:30–14:30 Lunch & Rest
19 August	Tuesday	Master Workshop – Session 3	Master Workshop – Session 4	12:30–14:30 Lunch & Rest
20 August	Wednesday	Master Workshop – Session 5	Master Workshop – Session 6	12:30–14:30 Lunch & Rest
21 August	Thursday	Master Workshop – Session 7	Master Workshop – Session 8	12:30–14:30 Lunch & Rest
22 August	Friday	Master Workshop – Final Session	Closing Ceremony & Certificate Presentation	12:30–14:30 Lunch & Rest; End of Programme & Hotel Check-out

We look forward to your application!