ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

John Cabot University in Rome expands arts education with new Guarini Center

institutional · 2026-04-26

John Cabot University (JCU), a private American institution established in Rome in the early 1970s by Paul Frohring and William D. Cavendish, has made significant enhancements to its Bachelor of Arts in Art and Design program. Since 1990, the university has been situated in Trastevere and inaugurated the Guarini Center for the Arts in spring 2025, named in honor of benefactor Frank J. Guarini. This center boasts upgraded facilities for printmaking, painting, photography, and design, with renovations executed by AeV Architetti. Under the leadership of James Gardner, the Department of Art and Design prioritizes interdisciplinary education. JCU's student body is diverse, representing over 75 nations, and the university collaborates with cultural organizations to provide internships and workshops, with plans to expand artist residencies and interdisciplinary practices.

Key facts

  • John Cabot University (JCU) is a private American university in Rome, founded in the early 1970s by Paul Frohring and William D. Cavendish as an affiliate of Hiram College.
  • JCU has been located in Rome's Trastevere district since 1990.
  • The Guarini Center for the Arts opened in spring 2025, named after Frank J. Guarini.
  • The renovation was designed by AeV Architetti.
  • The Department of Art and Design offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Design.
  • The student body includes individuals from over 75 countries.
  • Exchange programs include Northeastern University, University of Delaware, and Pratt Institute.
  • Faculty includes Catherine Biocca, Ilaria Gianni, Cornelia Lauf, Gabriele De Santis, Valerio Di Lucente, and Michele Tocca.

Entities

Artists

  • Catherine Biocca
  • Ilaria Gianni
  • Cornelia Lauf
  • Gabriele De Santis
  • Valerio Di Lucente
  • Michele Tocca
  • James Gardner
  • Frank J. Guarini

Institutions

  • John Cabot University
  • Hiram College
  • Guarini Center for the Arts
  • AeV Architetti
  • Northeastern University
  • University of Delaware
  • Pratt Institute
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Rome
  • Italy
  • Trastevere
  • United States

Sources