| Yunnan Arts University | |
| Native Name: | 云南艺术学院 |
| Image Upright: | .7 |
| Motto: | 务实、求新、尚美 |
| Mottoeng: | Pragmatism, Innovation, and Aesthetic Pursuit |
| Academic Affiliation: | China-ASEAN Art Universities Alliance, China-Russia Art Universities Alliance, China-CEEC Dance Culture and Arts Alliance, China Higher Drama Education Alliance, China Stage Art Education Alliance, Chinese Government Scholarship Recipient Institution for International Students, National Cultural Quality Education Base for University Students, and Accredited Social Art Level Evaluation Institution. |
| Country: | China |
| Campus Size: | 62ha |
Yunnan Arts University (YAU; 云南艺术学院; 云艺) is a provincial public higher education institution for the arts located in Kunming, Yunnan, China. It is approved by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China and administered by the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government. The university is one of the eight comprehensive higher art institutions in China.[1]
The history of Yunnan Arts University (YAU) can be traced back to 1938, originating from the Normal College and the Department of Cultural Affairs of the National Southwest Associated University. The main foundation of the university was established in 1959 as Yunnan Arts University. In 1963, Yunnan Arts University was dissolved, and its departments were incorporated into the Faculty of Arts at Kunming Normal College. In 1980, Yunnan Arts University regained its independence from Kunming Normal College, becoming an autonomous higher education institution.
Yunnan Arts University (YAU) operates two campuses, Chenggong and Mayuan, with a combined area of over 930 mu (approximately 62.03 hectares). The university consists of 12 academic units and one affiliated arts school. It accommodates nearly 10,000 full-time students and has a faculty and staff body of 877 members. The total area of teaching and administrative facilities amounts to 258,900 square meters. The university library holds 1.0206 million printed books and 508,500 electronic journals.
Yunnan Arts University (YAU) is one of the 30 independently established art universities in China and is among the eight comprehensive higher art institutions in the country.[3]
According to the 2024 Best Chinese Majors Ranking (BCMR) by Shanghai Ranking, YAU’s programmes in Drama Studies, Dance Performance, and Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection are ranked third nationally.[4]
In terms of research, YAU currently undertakes three major projects funded by the National Social Science Foundation of China and has been awarded 12 projects under the National Social Science Foundation for Arts, ranking second nationwide among higher education institutions.[5]