Beijing 北京 : 29 Sep 2010

China Central Academy of Fine Arts or CAFA (simplified Chinese: 中央美术学院; traditional Chinese: 中央美術學院; pinyin: Zhōngyāng Měishù Xuéyuàn) is the only advanced academy of fine arts under direct charge of Department of Education in China. The Manila Bulletin called the school "China’s most prestigious and renowned art academy". It was founded in April, 1950, as a result of merger between National Art School in Beiping (国立北平艺术专科学校) and the department of fine arts at third campus of North China University. Mao Zedong wrote the school name. The history of "National Art School in Beiping" might date back to the founding of "National School of Fine Arts in Beijing" in 1918, advocated by the notable educator, Cai Yuanpei. It was the first national school of fine arts in Chinese history, and also the beginning of Chinese modern education of fine arts. The former principals of CAFA include Xu Beihong, Jiang Feng, Wu Zuoren, Gu Yuan and Jin Shangyi. Current president is the painter and historian of fine arts, Prof. Pan Gongkai. Current Vice President is renowned contemporary artist, Xu Bing. Current secretary of CPC's committee is Yang Li. Current director of academic commission is the oil painter, Prof. Jin Shangyi.