Hey travelers, welcome to this guide by Venice Insider Guide about Academy of Fine Arts of Venice, Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia.
A journey inside one of the oldest and most fascinating artistic institutions in the world, told in a clear, engaging and useful way for those who dream to live art in Venice or simply want to know more about it.
Let’s explore every detail about Academy of Fine Arts of Venice.
What is Academy of Fine Arts of Venice?
Academy of Fine Arts of Venice is a public artistic higher education institution, part of the Italian AFAM system.
Inside you will find a creative universe that ranges from painting to sculpture, from set design to multimedia arts, from new technologies to the most experimental languages of contemporary art.
The buildings host equipped workshops, bright ateliers, a historical library accessible to students, exhibition spaces, multimedia rooms and a busy schedule of workshops and conferences.
There is also a department dedicated to New Technologies of Art located on the Venice island of San Servolo.
Academy of Fine Arts of Venice location
The main seat of Academy of Fine Arts of Venice is located in the Dorsoduro district, inside the former Ospedale degli Incurabili, overlooking the Zattere. It’s one of the quietest and most authentic areas of the city, well connected to the rest of Venice by vaporetti.
In addition to the main seat, Academy of Fine Arts of Venice has two other operational seats: one in the Santa Marta area and one on the Giudecca island, located in historical buildings converted for artistic teaching.
Academy of Fine Arts of Venice history
Academy of Fine Arts of Venice was founded in 1750 by the Venetian Senate when it established the “Veneta academia di pittura, scultura e architettura”.
From the beginning the institution was a reference point for the Venetian art scene: among its first protagonists were Giovanni Battista Piazzetta and Giambattista Tiepolo.
Over the centuries the Academy has changed several seats and structures until it reached the current spaces in 2004. Today it is a meeting point between tradition and experimentation, maintaining a strong historical identity but with an open view to contemporary artistic research.
Academy of Fine Arts of Venice tuition fees and costs
Academy of Fine Arts of Venice tuition fees are calculated based on the income bracket (ISEE) and are divided into several installments to be paid.
The first installment always includes the state tax, any administrative fees and the stamp duty. Students must also pay an admission test fee, different for three-year and two-year course.
Installments are managed through a digital platform and can be paid in three times during the academic year.
Extra costs: accommodation, transport, study material, food and personal expenses
Studying in Venice requires an investment also outside the academic fees.
Accommodation
Students can apply for the places in the regional authority’s managed residences (ESU Venice). Those who prefer private solutions can opt for shared apartments or student rooms in the Santa Marta, Dorsoduro and Giudecca areas.Transport
The vaporetto is the main means of transport. Students can buy discounted tickets through the Venezia Unica card.
Food
The university managed by the regional authority offers meals at discounted prices.
Study material
The cost varies greatly depending on the course: painting and sculpture require traditional materials, while graphic and new technologies may require software, hardware or specific digital tools.
Three-year degree at Academy of Fine Arts of Venice
The three-year degree at Academy of Fine Arts of Venice offers several specializations: painting, sculpture, graphic, set design, new technologies of art, multimedia arts and other courses related to the creative world.
To be admitted you must pass an exam that may include an interview, a practical test or portfolio evaluation. International students must also demonstrate a sufficient language proficiency.
What to do after the three-year degree at Academy of Fine Arts of Venice
After the three-year degree at Academy of Fine Arts of Venice you can:
- continue with the two-year second level course at the same Academy
- enroll in a master or specialization course
- enter the working world as artists, designers, cultural operators, image technicians, art teachers
- start an independent career, maybe between galleries, artistic residences or collaborations with cultural institutions
- participate in artistic research projects
The Academy has a very wide network of former students active in the Italian and international creative scene.
Academy of Fine Arts of Venice info
The institution is public and recognized by the Ministry of University and Research.
The administrative office is located in Zattere, Dorsoduro.
It supports equal access, services for students with special needs and direct collaboration with the regional authority for scholarships and accommodation.
Student life at Venice Academy of Fine Arts
Being a student in Venice means getting used to a unique rhythm: no cars, but calli, bridges, campielli and vaporetto as daily means of transport.
The Academy community is lively, international and creative; students participate in projects, exhibitions, collaborations with festivals and cultural institutions, including the Venice Biennale.
The student residences, artistic laboratories and meeting places in the Zattere or Giudecca area make the learning experience immersive and deeply connected to the city.
International programs and collaborations
The Academy of Fine Arts of Venice is part of international exchange programs, such as Erasmus+ and bilateral agreements with European and non-European universities. This allows students to live a study experience abroad, participate in international workshops and meet artists from different cultures.
The collaborations also include partnerships with museums, galleries and the Venice Biennale, offering practical opportunities for networking and visibility in the contemporary art world.
Events and exhibitions
During the academic year, the Academy of Fine Arts of Venice hosts many exhibitions, conferences and open to the public events.
Students can exhibit their works in the laboratories and internal galleries, but also participate in city events, such as the Biennale, the Film Festival and exhibitions in Venetian museums. These events are a practical arena to put into practice the artistic skills acquired and start building a professional portfolio.
Digital resources and technologies
The Academy of Fine Arts of Venice is equipped with digital labs, 3D modeling software, digital graphics and virtual reality. Students of New Technologies of Art courses can access professional tools, learning to integrate traditional and digital skills.
The digital library and art databases allow to consult catalogues, historical texts and specialized magazines, fundamental for academic research and artistic production.
Support for international students
Students from other countries can count on a dedicated support for bureaucratic practices, visa, accommodation and linguistic orientation. The Academy offers Italian language courses for foreigners and tutoring for integration in the academic life of Venice, facilitating cultural and social integration in the lagoon city.
Networking and career opportunities
Studying in Venice means also entering a unique professional network. The Academy organizes workshops with established artists, internships in professional studios, fairs and art competitions. These experiences help students to build relationships in the field, facilitating the entry into the art, fashion, design and visual communication market.
FAQ
Can international students apply?
Yes, students from all over the world are admitted. For some courses an Italian language test is required.
Are there scholarships and accommodation available?
Yes, through regional authority’s annual call for study grants.
How do I pay the fees?
Fees are paid online through the student platform.
Where is the main office located?
In the ex Ospedale degli Incurabili, Zattere, Dorsoduro.
Conclusion
So, the Academy of Fine Arts of Venice is a place where the Venetian art tradition meets contemporary experimentation.
Studying here means living in a magical city, learning from professionals in the field and growing within an international creative community. For those who want an artistic path rich in history, inspiration and opportunities, this Academy is one of the most charming in Europe.
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