Course Descriptions

Explore the theories, methods and emerging developments of information art and design. Through case analysis and creative practice, students examine connections between cultural needs, technology and design, while considering the social, cultural and ethical implications of new media and technological innovation.

Trace the development of Chinese and Western art through major movements, artists and representative works. Covering painting, sculpture, architecture and other art forms, the course develops students’ ability to interpret artworks in their historical and cultural contexts and make informed aesthetic judgements.

Build a foundation in accounting and finance through applications in the arts industry. Students learn to interpret financial statements, analyse costs and profitability, and evaluate investment and financing decisions. Examples from arts organisations demonstrate how financial information supports effective management.

Discover the processes and tools of design thinking and their application to complex problems. Drawing on user, cultural and business perspectives, the course uses cases, discussion and creative exercises to develop imagination, interdisciplinary thinking and collaborative problem-solving skills.

Connect financial theory with the workings of the art market. Students examine art valuation, risk and return, portfolio management and art financing, alongside technologies such as blockchain and NFTs. The course also considers sustainability, philanthropy and the ethical and regulatory issues surrounding art finance.

Explore how technology can support innovation in arts, design and culture. Lectures and workshops introduce approaches such as creative coding, sensor-based interaction, mixed reality and interactive storytelling. Students develop and communicate ideas through design projects and prototypes. No previous technological background is required.

Explore how artificial intelligence and NFTs are reshaping contemporary art and design. The course introduces the development of digital art, the principles and value of NFTs, and the foundations of artificial intelligence. Students apply AI tools to creative practice, experimenting with prompts, style control and iterative refinement.

Gain an understanding of the legal principles relevant to art transactions, arts organisations and intellectual property. Through cases and discussion, students examine contracts, business structures, copyright, trademarks and patents, as well as regulatory issues involving art imports and exports, smuggling and anti-money laundering.

Examine strategic management, innovation and entrepreneurship in the arts and cultural industries. Students learn to analyse markets, competitive advantages and organisational resources, and apply these insights to the development of arts ventures. Cases and team projects connect strategic planning with implementation and organisational change.

Learn how data analytics can inform business and marketing decisions in the art market. Through real data, practical exercises and project work, students explore data collection, statistical analysis, customer segmentation and visualisation. Applications involving Python and Power BI help translate analytical findings into business recommendations.

Examine the development and operation of arts organisations alongside the practical management of arts projects. Combining theory with cases, the course covers planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation, with attention to curatorial practice, organisational structures, talent management and marketing.

Examine how creative ideas develop into products and services for the arts and creative industries. Students explore user needs, competitive analysis, prototyping, iteration and market launch. Cases and practical activities develop the ability to balance user value, technological feasibility and business objectives throughout the product development process.

Examine how cultural differences, values and perspectives shape management in a globalised world. Through Eastern and Western cases, students explore practical approaches to cross-cultural communication, teamwork and conflict resolution, including the role of art in facilitating dialogue across cultures.