Claudia Löffelholz on Italian Art Education: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Future Challenges
In a conversation with Artribune, Claudia Löffelholz, who heads the Scuola di alta formazione and the Educational Department at Fondazione Modena Arti Visive (FMAV), shares her insights on Italy's higher artistic education. She argues that it surpasses its negative reputation, highlighting the caliber of Italian artists. Nonetheless, numerous creatives opt to seek better opportunities abroad. Löffelholz emphasizes the importance of art schools imparting practical skills essential for navigating the art world. FMAV's Master and Curatorial Course ICON, which centers on photography, is tailored to meet the needs of its students. She calls for funded post-graduate traineeships in place of low-paying internships and underscores the need for practical training modules. This interview contributes to Artribune's exploration of artistic education, which includes various perspectives.
Key facts
- Claudia Löffelholz is Director of the Scuola di alta formazione and Educational Department of Fondazione Modena Arti Visive.
- She believes Italian art education is better than its reputation, with high-quality work by Italian artists.
- Many Italian creatives move abroad after training for better conditions and welfare.
- She advocates teaching practical know-how about the art system: grants, residencies, networking.
- FMAV offers a Master and Curatorial Course ICON focusing on photography and contemporary imagery.
- The pandemic forced remote teaching, but practical modules like the exhibition were held in person.
- She calls for post-graduate traineeship programs in the creative sector funded by companies and state.
- She observes a growing student focus on market and galleries during training, which she discourages.
- FMAV's model intertwines high training with exhibitions, collections, and cultural programs.
- She stresses balancing digital and analog tools and the importance of active engagement in learning.
Entities
Artists
- Claudia Löffelholz
- Marco Scotini
- Pietro Di Terlizzi
- Alessandra Pioselli
- Antonello Tolve
- Angela Vettese
- Giovanna Cassese
- Santa Nastro
- Marco Enrico Giacomelli
Institutions
- Artribune
- Fondazione Modena Arti Visive
- Scuola di alta formazione Fondazione Modena Arti Visive
- ICON
Locations
- Italy
- Modena