Merz Akademie at the PIE Annual Meeting 2025 in Barcelona

Rector Dr. Barbara M. Eggert and Birgit Haasen, Head of the International Office, took part in the meeting of international art colleges as part of PIE (Platform for Internationalization in ELIA) in Barcelona. PIE is a platform for exchange, cooperation and strategic orientation in the field of internationalization at art colleges.

As part of a three-day programme dedicated to “The Added Value of Internationalisation”, participants engaged in a series of thought-provoking presentations, discussions, and workshops. The event addressed current challenges and shared examples of good practice related to equality and accessibility in international higher education. Particular attention was given to the concept of the “hidden curriculum”, with a focus on developing more collaborative approaches that enhance and sustain the impact of internationalisation across the higher arts education sector.

Birgit Haasen, Head of the International Office, contributed to the programme with a presentation highlighting its integrated approach to internationalisation. This includes intensive one-week workshops and long-term guest professorships, which are embedded in the academic curriculum of Merz Akademie. These initiatives with international faculty were shown to foster creative excellence, support interdisciplinary exchange, and promote transformative learning experiences for both students and faculty.

The Merz Akademie is constantly expanding its partnerships with universities in (non)European countries. Merz Akademie students can spend practical and study semesters abroad and also come into contact with exchange students from all over the world at the Merz Akademie. International guest lecturers, who regularly offer project weeks during the semester, complement the course program.

For many years, the Merz Akademie has been an active member of ELIA (European League of Institutes of the Arts), the European network of art schools. With 250 member institutions, ELIA is one of the largest international networks for design colleges, art academies and universities. ELIA represents about 300,000 students in 47 countries.