Baghdad: The committee of deans of art colleges in Iraq convened to discuss plans aimed at advancing art education and pursuing academic accreditation. The meeting, attended by deans from various fine and applied arts colleges across the country, focused on aligning educational programs with international standards as part of a broader initiative led by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the meeting's agenda was centered around four pivotal topics. Foremost among them was the adoption of the Bologna Process, which aims to standardize education systems across Europe and beyond. A letter from the Ministry's Department of Studies and Planning has set the implementation of this process to begin in the 2026-2027 academic year, requiring a thorough review of current curricula and teaching methods to meet these new standards.

The committee also explored the operational requirements and strategies needed to successfully implement the Bologna Process, which is expected to enhance the academic quality of programs and align them with globally recognized university education systems.

Additionally, the proposal to establish a new Department of Visual Arts and Design at the College of Fine Arts, University of Diyala, was discussed. This initiative is planned for the 2026-2027 academic year and is part of the broader strategy to expand and diversify educational offerings in the arts.

The final major topic addressed was the admission plan for the upcoming academic year, with discussions focusing on the capacity of existing art colleges and the allocation of study places. The aim is to find a balance between available resources and the need to further develop the educational framework.

The committee underscored the necessity of ongoing collaboration among Iraqi universities' fine and applied arts colleges. Emphasis was placed on sharing academic expertise, supporting accreditation projects, and fulfilling the Bologna Process requirements to elevate Iraq's arts education system on both a national and international scale.