Connec­tions and communities

The ​„Inter­na­tional Asso­cia­tion of Univer­si­ties and Colleges of Art, Design and Media“ – Cumulus for short – is an asso­cia­tion of inter­na­tional design colleges with curr­ently 250 members from 50 count­ries and repres­ents about 250,000 students. The orga­niza­tion is reco­gnized by several Direc­to­rates-General of the EU and by UNESCO. Cumulus is a dynamic and crea­tive academic forum that addresses issues of educa­tion, design theory and rese­arch. It is parti­cu­larly concerned with issues of sustaina­bi­lity and inno­va­tive quality stan­dards in design studies.

The HfG Schwä­bisch Gmünd (Univer­sity of Applied Sciences ) has been a member of Cumulus since 2004 and has been repre­sented on the ten-member board of direc­tors since 2006, initi­ally by the former rector Cris­tina Salerno, between 2010 and 2013 by Prof. Peter Steb­bing and since 2013 by Prof. Ulrich Schendzielorz.

The two annual confe­rences offer a unique plat­form for inter­na­tional dialogue with colle­agues, opinion leaders and experts. In 2007 the univer­sity hosted the confe­rence with the topic ​„Crossing Boun­da­ries – transfer into design, within design and from design“. The close profes­sional exch­ange always provides impulses for the teaching program and helps to win renowned guest lectu­rers for the HfG.

Good ideas must be encou­raged. The Circle of Friends supports the univer­sity in many ways – wherever idea­li­stic and finan­cial support is needed. Whether it is a matter of scho­lar­ships or rese­arch grants, career plan­ning or a mento­ring program. With a bene­vo­lent network of perso­na­li­ties from busi­ness and poli­tics, from employees* and alumni of the univer­sity, the Circle of Friends is committed to the inte­rests and concerns of the univer­sity in an unbu­reau­cratic way. 

The Freun­des­kreis der Hoch­schule für Gestal­tung Schwä­bisch Gmünd e.V. is an asso­cia­tion of indi­vi­duals, compa­nies, graduates and employees of the univer­sity. Toge­ther, it wants to build bridges, create networks and, through this network, promote dialogue between theo­re­ti­cians and prac­ti­tio­ners, students and spon­sors, the univer­sity and the economy as well as between design and poli­tics. Since its foun­da­tion in 2004, it has also provided finan­cial support wherever the univer­si­ty’s resources have reached their limits.

Support the HfG Schwä­bisch Gmünd – we look forward to hearing from you.