Creating new opportunities for collaboration in design education and research
August 27, 2024, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE): Canadian University Dubai (CUD) School of Architecture and Interior Design joined Cumulus, a leading global association of art and design education and research. This membership opens a wealth of opportunities for international collaboration in teaching, research, student exchange programs, competitions, and awards.
Founded in 1990 as a co-operation network between leading European art, design and media universities, Cumulus was born as a platform to foster collaboration and facilitate student and faculty mobility. Gaining official Association status in 2001, the organization became international in 2006 and has continued to expand to span all five continents as a non-profit global association based in Finland. Throughout its history, Cumulus has served as an advocate for the strategic role of design and the arts in addressing global challenges with finite resources.
As the sole Cumulus member in the UAE, CUD will be positioned on the global stage of art and design education, helping to boost the university’s international recognition and reputation. The membership provides CUD students access to a network of over 350 universities worldwide, enabling them to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds and cultures, leading to a more enriching learning experience.
Speaking about joining the association, Massimo Imparato, Dean of School of Architecture and Interior Design, said, “As a member of Cumulus Association, Canadian University Dubai achieves global recognition as the UAE hub for design education.”
Cumulus membership will also create several new opportunities for architecture and design students studying at CUD. Exchange programs with Cumulus member institutions will offer unique opportunities to study abroad, explore new environments, and gain international experience. Additionally, Cumulus also hosts student competitions and awards, allowing CUD students to participate in prestigious events to showcase their talent on a global platform.
As a leader in art and design research, Cumulus fosters collaboration between member institutions that could lead to opportunities for CUD students to participate in research projects with international teams, gaining valuable experience and potentially co-authoring publications. Furthermore, through Cumulus conferences and events, CUD students can gain exposure to the latest trends and best practices in art and design education from leading institutions worldwide.
The prestigious membership was formalized at the 2024 Cumulus Conference in Budapest, where CUD joined 25 other worldwide institutions as new members of the association. With the addition of the UAE, Cumulus now has members representing 71 countries.