During twenty years from 1995 to the present, XAFA has been increasing input in research, giving priority to and encouraging high-level study and creation of teachers, building a good academic atmosphere and enlivening thoughts, which has had active impacts on its academic image and reputation and safeguarded its academically leading role in northwestern China.

Since the Scientific Research Office of XAFA is established, a series of research project management documents have been formulated so as to normalize declaration, examination and approval, research process, theme conclusion, use of funds and other aspects with respect to research project. Data related to annual research is collected at the end of each year and relatively complete research files are established. Since the Ninth National Fine Art Works Exhibition, XAFA has started to input some funds to award prize winners and improve an overall level of research and innovation.

With high attention paid by XAFA, vigorous organization by Scientific Research  and Innovation Office and joint efforts made by all teachers, XAFA has made progress in research and innovation by leaps and bounds in recent three years. XAFA has had a head start and striven for great achievements. XAFA obtained the First Prize for Outstanding Achievements in Humanities & Social Science from Ministry of Education, the Golden Award of the Twelfth National Fine Art Works Exhibition and 39 items of national art funds. XAFA undertook the Eleventh National Fine Art Works Exhibition in Chinese Arts Festival, where its 38 pieces of works were selected, hosted academic forum “Craftsmanship and Contemporary Design”, where nearly 500 experts and scholars were present, undertook “the Third Forum for Philosophic, Social and Scientific Development of National Arts Colleges and Universities” under Department of Social Sciences of Ministry of Education, launched a manifesto to “the Belt and Road” Art Alliance, and gave a boost to prosperity of Chinese art and culture together with the other 63 high-level art colleges and universities in China. XAFA ranks the first in China with its fruitful achievements in research and innovation and plays an important role in pioneering.