Angela Vettese on AFAM: Strengths, Weaknesses, and the Future of Art Education in Italy

In an interview with Artribune, Angela Vettese, curator, professor, and director of the master's degree program in Visual Arts and Fashion at IUAV University of Venice, discusses the state of higher education in the arts in Italy. She highlights the strengths of IUAV, including state university standards monitored by ANVUR, a rigorous recruitment system, and contracts for international curators and artists like Joan Jonas, Muntadas, and Cally Spooner. Weaknesses include chronic underfunding, which favors private schools that may lack student attention. Vettese describes IUAV as a hybrid between a DAMS program and an academy, emphasizing theory taught by publishing professors and offering doctoral scholarships for artists. She notes successful alumni such as artists Elena Mazzi and Diego Tonus, and curators Pietro Rigolo and Lisa Andreani. She criticizes the Gelmini law for excessive bureaucratization and advocates for reducing student obsession with the art system, instead fostering community and innovation. Vettese praises international best practices like 24/7 libraries at MIT, individual studios at Chicago, and funding for emerging artists in Oslo. She considers internet use essential but social media optional, and found remote teaching during lockdown increased preparation but lacked effective human interaction and cognitive engagement.