Founded on the belief that "painting is the origins of all arts, calligraphy its most esteemed" and a mission to "preserve heritage and break new ground", the Chinese Painting and Calligraphy direction lives up to the academic philosophy of balancing form and content as it advocates innovative concepts of sustainable development, contemporary relevance, and keeping traditions alive. Currently, the direction has the most comprehensive curriculum and professional framework for Chinese painting and calligraphy. By leveraging its profound historical legacy, competitive academic edge, as well as distinctive academic features, exemplary student body, liberal academic vision, rigorous pedagogy, and commitment to art, the direction becomes a role model for higher education of Chinese painting and calligraphy in China and a key institution in establishing an Eastern Studies of Contemporary Visual Arts and a distinctive academic cluster that preserves and cultivates the great Chinese cultural heritage in the new era.

The Painting direction's key areas of research focus on "Techniques and Methods − the Ideology and Reconstruction of Painting Methodologies during the Age of Large-scale Paintings", "The Art of Printmaking in the Post-print Era", and "The Production and Innovation in Murals during Urbanization". The direction has inherited the great "CAA" tradition and continues to keep it alive through its in-depth incorporation of the Eastern cultural spirit and dedication to the pursuit of the art of painting. The direction encourages students to observe and explore the transformative changes that occur to art in the era of visual media. It pushes forward with a pioneering spirit by "re-examining the ideology and development of painting methodologies" and "crafting a new pedagogical framework that bridges professional fields and enriches the curriculum". Bearing in mind of global perspective, its main "three-pronged approach" combines oil painting, printmaking, murals, and integrated art to reshape the landscape of research and education in as well as production of paintings during the age of large-scale paintings and nurture quality, multidisciplinary artists with traditional literacy and a contemporary vision.

CAA's Sculpture and Public Art is the first institution of higher education for contemporary sculpture in China. As a witness to the modernization of Chinese society, the direction has been a true pioneer in the education and research of contemporary Chinese sculpture as well as the artistic creation of sculptures. The direction focuses on Eastern Studies and has established a Department of Sculpture, Department of Public Art, and Department of Fiber Art that are founded on the philosophy of "monumental sculpture". Its key areas of research are Eastern Studies and the methodology of sculpture and public art, with a focus on the language of science and technology in spatial representation as well as innovative ideas and breakthroughs made in fiber art. The direction strives to nurture creative artistic talents who can master multiple mediums, possess cross-disciplinary competencies, and embody the zeitgeist of the times. It aims to establish a framework of education, practical application and research that integrates education and artistic creation as well as self-invention and social application.

The Intermedia Art direction has reshaped the existing academic landscape of Fine Arts with its core philosophy of "pushing back boundaries between the inner and outer and crossing borders to promote exchange". Its unchanging pedagogical focus on "unleashing creativity through media and unearthing talents through technology" and emphasis on contemporary art intervention and the expansion of contemporary art have led to an in-depth fusion of medium and concept as well as increased appreciation of art. The resultant pedagogical landscape that integrates "experimentation with media, artistic creation, social ideology, and curatorial practice" has driven cross-disciplinary research and practice in contemporary art on the international stage, drawn Chinese artists with international acclaim and curatorial communities together, and transformed the school into an undisputed leader and an innovator in cross-disciplinary education in contemporary art in China.