ISIA: Italy's Overlooked Public Design Schools and Their Evolving Role
The ISIA (Istituto Superiore per le Industrie Artistiche) network comprises four public design institutions in Italy—Rome, Urbino, Florence, and Faenza—playing a pivotal role in shaping Italian design since the establishment of the first ISIA in Monza in 1922. Revitalized in 1973 by Giulio Carlo Argan, ISIA Roma Design adheres to Bauhaus principles. The schools provide 3+2 diploma programs, boasting an impressive 85% employment rate within a year. ISIA Faenza is currently hosting the 12th Premio Nazionale delle Arti 2017, themed "Future is Design," curated by Giovanna Cassese and Marinella Paderni, featuring 105 projects from 37 institutions. The "Builders of Tomorrow" exhibition at MIC Faenza is open until October 25, showcasing 62 artists. Directors are addressing future challenges, such as Industry 4.0 and collaborative research efforts.
Key facts
- ISIA stands for Istituto Superiore per le Industrie Artistiche.
- First ISIA was established in Monza in 1922 as Università delle Arti decorative.
- Modern ISIA system revived in 1973 with ISIA Roma Design founded by Giulio Carlo Argan.
- ISIA schools are located in Rome, Urbino (1974), Florence (1975), and Faenza (1980).
- ISIA gained university status in 1999 under the Ministry of Education, Universities and Research.
- ISIA Faenza hosts the 12th edition of Premio Nazionale delle Arti 2017 – Sezione design, titled 'Future is Design'.
- The prize is open to private and foreign institutions for the first time, with 37 institutions and 105 projects.
- Employment rate for ISIA graduates is 85% within the first year after second-level diploma.
- Exhibition 'Builders of Tomorrow' at MIC Faenza runs until October 25, 2017, featuring 62 artists and designers.
- ISIA Roma is exploring design for Industry 4.0 and Digital Cultural Heritage.
- ISIA Firenze collaborates with SISSA Trieste and Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna Pisa on scientific research.
Entities
Artists
- Vito Acconci
- Michelangelo Pistoletto
- Tony Cragg
- Enzo Cucchi
- Luigi Ontani
- Ettore Sottsass
- Patricia Urquiola
- Formafantasma
- Paolo Gonzato
- Sissi
- Francesco Simeti
- Castiglioni
- Magistretti
- Albini
- Scarpa
- Zanuso
- Giulio Iacchetti
- Anty Pansera
- Luisa Collina
- Beppe Finessi
- Massimiliano Tonelli
- Giulio Carlo Argan
- Mariacristina Ferraioli
Institutions
- ISIA
- ISIA Roma Design
- ISIA Urbino
- ISIA Firenze
- ISIA Faenza
- MIC – Museo Internazionale delle Ceramiche di Faenza
- Fondazione Plart
- Fondazione Banca del Monte e Cassa di Risparmio Faenza
- A.i.C.C. – Associazione italiana Città della Ceramica
- Zini
- Kerning
- SISSA – Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati di Trieste
- Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna di Pisa
- Politecnico di Milano
- Società Umanitaria
- Ministero della Pubblica Istruzione
- Ministero dell'Istruzione, Università e Ricerca (MIUR)
- Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale
- MiBACT – Ministero dei Beni e delle Attività Culturali e del Turismo
- Artribune
- Inventario
- Bauhaus
- Hochschule für Gestaltung
- Artribune Magazine
- Ministero dell’Istruzione, Università e Ricerca
Locations
- Monza
- Italy
- Rome
- Urbino
- Florence
- Faenza
- Milan
- Trieste
- Pisa
- Naples
- Imola
- Bologna
- Germany
- Ulm