Office of International Academic Affairs

As the oldest and most prominent art and design institution in Israel, Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design has a long history of international collaborations with a wide range of academies, art institutions, artists and designers from throughout the world. In 2019,  Bezalel established the Office of International Academic Affairs as part of its new vision to initiate, expand and develop international collaborations, with a special emphasis on ventures that address theoretical, pedagogic and practical challenges in the fields of art, design and architecture.

Since its founding in 1906, Bezalel has emphasized the preservation of time-honored traditions while nurturing innovative and groundbreaking practices. The preeminent player in the Israeli art and design worlds, the Academy’s faculty, students and alumni are at the forefront of the Israeli creative sphere and participate frequently in numerous international projects with great success.

The Office of International Academic Affairs sets out to further develop these trends and promote collaboration with institutions, research centers, think tank groups, industries, artists and designers from around the world, while encouraging international projects that contribute to the reflective contemplation of the local scene and cross-fertilization. International intercultural connections fostered through shared learning, creation and research experiences are vital for the exchange of new ideas and discourse, facilitating rich and challenging discussion and a rethinking of presuppositions, consequently  engendering better artists, designers and citizens.

The Office of International Academic Affairs provides meeting points for different approaches to creativity and learning, promotes an international teaching culture, enriches the learning experience and expands the scope of international opportunities for the faculty, students, and alumni.

The Office works is engaged in

• Facilitating access to information and supporting contacts with international partners to create research, teaching and exhibition opportunities
• Creating and establishing a variety of independent research and exhibition projects
• Assisting existing initiatives of faculty members on these issues
• Supporting the invitation and hospitality of international creatives and scholars on campus
• Promoting faculty exchange projects.

The Office of International Academic Affairs works in full collaboration with the Student Exchange Office, with the understanding that the personal and professional connections formed in the exchange programs constitute an important basis for lasting professional relationships and networks.