Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi, Rector of Arkın Creative Arts and Design University (ARUCAD), during his visit to Azerbaijan from November 18–20, participated in the founding meeting of the “Union of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions in Turkish-Speaking Countries Operating in the Field of Applied Arts” held in Baku, and signed the founding declaration. The meeting, held in Baku on November 19, 2025, officially established a new cooperation council among higher education institutions in fine arts and applied arts in Turkish-speaking countries.
The newly established Union of Rectors aims to strengthen the internationalization of art education, enhance cultural relations on a global scale, and promote experience sharing among member institutions. The declaration outlines key principles, including increasing student and faculty exchanges among member universities over the next two years, organizing joint workshops and masterclasses, and implementing collaborative projects through exhibitions and symposiums.
The declaration was signed by representatives of the Azerbaijan Academy of Fine Arts, the Hungarian University of Fine Arts, Arkın Creative Arts and Design University, Turgunbay Sadikov Kyrgyz National Academy of Arts, Temirbek Zhurgenov Kazakh National Academy of Arts, Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts, and the Uzbekistan Academy of Arts.
By participating in the signing ceremony, ARUCAD Rector Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi positioned Arkın Creative Arts and Design University as one of the founding members of the Union, establishing a new platform for joint projects, academic exchange programs, and multilateral cultural collaborations in art- and design-focused education. During the Azerbaijan program from November 18–20, Vehbi also held discussions with various stakeholders, particularly higher education and art institutions, to explore new cooperation protocols. ARUCAD Vice Rector Assist. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Dalkılıç accompanied Vehbi throughout the Azerbaijan program