13th Jun 2025, Jaipur: Archana Surana, the Founder and Director of ARCH College of Design and Business, Jaipur, has been elected as a Board Member of the Cumulus Association for the 2025–2028 term. The announcement was made during the Cumulus Nantes 2025 conference held in Nantes, France, where leading voices in design education from across the globe gathered.
Archana Surana previously served as the Vice President of Cumulus Association from 2022 to 2025. Over the years, she has actively contributed to discussions around gender and leadership in design, particularly through her engagement in forums focused on ‘Women in Design’.
The Cumulus Association is a prestigious global network connecting over 400 art, design, and media institutions across 71 countries. Established in 1990 by Aalto University (Finland) and the Royal College of Art (UK), the association promotes international dialogue and collaboration through biannual conferences and research-driven initiatives aimed at reimagining the role of design in society.
Surana’s election marks a significant recognition of her continued contribution to design education, particularly her efforts in integrating Indian cultural values into global design practices. She has long been an advocate for contextual design thinking rooted in local heritage while remaining globally relevant.
Speaking on the occasion, Archana Surana said, “Jaipur is where I come from, and I carry its essence with me. To represent India and my city on a global platform like Cumulus is both an honor and a responsibility. For me, design is not just a form of art; it’s a tool for social transformation. My goal is to see young minds from India think globally, act ethically, and shape a better future.”
Her appointment not only reflects her leadership in the field but also underlines India’s growing presence in the international design discourse.