Abstract

The rapid development of cultural and creative industries in China induces a growth in the development of intellectual property. Some of the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are gradually transforming themselves into original design manufacturers (ODMs) and original brand manufacturers (OBMs). The animation industry also benefits from the Government’s policy support and starts to develop and produce original titles animation. The change of production direction creates a great demand for creative workers, and naturally, the educational institutes become the obvious source for this creative talent. In 2014, the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China released a new General Higher Education Undergraduate Major Study Catalogue. This new catalogue put animation under the Theatre, Film and Television category. The changes made by all those institutions that do not focus on film and television study stop offering animation program as a major study. As animation industry is considered as a major developing area in China, a cut back of animation education programs will certainly affect the number of graduates in the coming years. By studying substantial literature on animation education development in China and interviewing a total of 48 teachers and students from 10 animation programs in Beijing, this paper traced the historical development of animation education in China, commented on the recent issues identified in the animation education and further argued about the changes that will actually benefit the future growth of animation education in China.

Key words: Animation education, animation industry, creative industries.