The school's predecessor was Gansu Education College founded by 1950 and Gansu Union University founded by 1985. In July of 20001year, the two universities merged to form the new Gansu United University. Gansu Art School merged 2011; April 20 13, Lanzhou University of Arts and Sciences was established on the basis of Gansu Union University.
As of May, 20021year, the school campus covers an area of 1300 mu, with a building area of 330,000 square meters. The total value of teaching and research instruments and equipment is 77 million yuan, and the library has a collection of1000. There are 14 teaching units and 36 undergraduate majors. There are 853 faculty members and full-time students 1 1300, including more than 8,700 undergraduates.