UK (University of the Arts London) Twinning with The National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture

University of the Arts London (UAL) and The National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture (NAFAA), Kyiv have twinned and signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore how they can share learnings, ideas and resources.

The ‘twinning’ scheme was launched by Universities UK International in response to the Russian invasion, which has seen over 95 professional pre-higher and higher education institutions damaged and at least 9 destroyed.

The twinning partnership is supported by the Cormack Consulting Group, who manages the UK-Ukraine Twinning Initiative with support from Universities UK International and the President’s Fund of Ukraine for Education. These long-term twinning partnerships will provide vital support in the short term, so students can continue their studies, and researchers can carry on with research. In the longer term, this collaboration will help play an important role in the rebuilding of Ukraine.

UAL’s new 10-year strategy recommits the University to its social purpose and is developing its sanctuary framework to formalise its response to global conflict. This year it launched its support programme for displaced students and academics as well as offering support and funding for applicants and current students impacted by war and economic upheaval.

As Rector of the NAFAA, let me express our sincere gratitude to the United Kingdom for its firm position in standing with Ukraine and supporting our people who fight against invasion from the Russian federation, as well as those who flee from the war.Despite the air raid alerts and missile shelling we have been enduring since February, our Academy continues to operate and we are doing our best to ensure dynamic learning for our students, both offline and online.

We are pleased to be introduced to UAL by Cormack Consultancy Group within the framework of the twinning programme, and highly appreciate the UAL’s decision to cooperate with us. It’s our honour to partner with one of the best universities in the world for Art and Design.The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding is the first step in building a firm bridge between us. And we are looking forward to further cooperation in the future.

— Oleksandr Tsuhorka, Rector of NAFAA

UAL is honoured to have been twinned with NAFAA. Their commitment to creative endeavour and their students’ learning in the face of war has been profoundly moving to hear and should inspire all. Through this Memorandum of Understanding, we hope to deepen our relationship and explore ways we can collaborate and learn from our new partners.— Roni Brown, UAL Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)

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