The “Formalist Pioneer” workshop, conducted for 20 undergraduate and graduate students from the School of Arts and Humanities at the Sichuan Fine Art Institute, serves as an academic and creative initiative that not only enhances artistic exploration but also contributes significantly to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This workshop, held under the guidance of lecturers from the Albert Laurence School of Communication Arts, aligns with the following SDGs: SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
1. Promoting Quality Education (SDG 4)
Aligned with SDG 4: Quality Education, the “Formalist Pioneer” workshop provides an opportunity for students from diverse educational backgrounds to engage deeply with artistic theories, particularly the formalist approach that focuses on structure, design, and the intrinsic elements of art. The session promotes inclusive, equitable, and quality education by encouraging creative inquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in art and communication.
By fostering interdisciplinary learning, the workshop empowers students to expand their artistic horizons while learning from global perspectives. This exposure supports lifelong learning opportunities by encouraging students to question, experiment, and innovate in their craft. Through this approach, students not only refine their technical skills but also gain a broader understanding of how cultural and theoretical influences shape the world of communication and art.
2. Achieving Gender Equality (SDG 5)
In alignment with SDG 5: Gender Equality, the workshop promotes gender equality through inclusive practices. Lecturers and students are encouraged to engage with art that reflects a diverse range of gender identities, perspectives, and lived experiences. By ensuring equal participation of students regardless of gender and fostering an environment that promotes gender-inclusive conversations, the workshop empowers female and male students equally to pursue leadership roles in the creative industries.
Additionally, the Sichuan Fine Art Institute is actively committed to promoting gender equality by supporting equal access to opportunities for both men and women in the arts. The workshop promotes inclusive discussions and exposes students to gender-sensitive art critiques, encouraging them to question traditional gender roles and representations in art, media, and communication.
3. Supporting Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
The “Formalist Pioneer” workshop also contributes to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by exploring the intersection of art and technology. The session introduces students to modern design thinking, technological tools, and the latest innovations in art, ensuring that students are prepared to engage with innovative industries and the rapidly changing creative sectors.
By incorporating innovative methodologies and interdisciplinary practices, the workshop enhances students’ ability to create cutting-edge art that can drive social change, innovation, and sustainable development in their future careers. Students are encouraged to think beyond traditional boundaries, developing solutions and artworks that are not only innovative but also meaningful in a globalized, interconnected world.
4. Reducing Inequality (SDG 10)
Aligned with SDG 10: Reduced Inequality, the workshop aims to break down barriers to education and opportunity for students from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. By providing access to high-quality education in a global context, students are empowered to overcome inequalities that may have limited their access to resources or professional networks.
The workshop emphasizes the importance of inclusive art education, allowing students from all walks of life to express themselves freely and develop their creative potential. Furthermore, the collaboration between institutions from different countries ensures that students are exposed to a global network, providing them with the tools and connections needed to overcome systemic inequalities in the arts.
5. Fostering Global Partnerships (SDG 17)
One of the key objectives of the “Formalist Pioneer” workshop is to build strong, international academic partnerships as outlined in SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Through collaboration between the Albert Laurence School of Communication Arts and the Sichuan Fine Art Institute, the workshop enhances cross-cultural exchange and promotes the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and resources between institutions.
This partnership creates opportunities for faculty mobility, joint research projects, and further academic collaboration, which is essential for fostering a global academic community. It highlights the power of international cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals, particularly through educational exchanges that enhance cultural understanding and knowledge-sharing across borders.
The workshop also empowers students to develop a global mindset, encouraging them to connect with peers from different cultures, thus fostering mutual respect and collaboration that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
The 17 Goals
