ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Mapping Italy's Artisan Schools to Preserve Craft Heritage

cultural-heritage · 2026-04-27

The OMA (Osservatorio dei Mestieri d'Arte) has initiated 'Eccellenze in formazione', a program aimed at cataloging artisan training institutions throughout Italy to tackle the crisis of generational turnover. This initiative encompasses over 50 schools from 12 different regions, spanning six fields: goldsmithing, leather goods, woodworking, tailoring, glass, and multidisciplinary crafts. Among the prominent institutions involved are Opificio delle Pietre Dure, LAO, Istituto dei Mestieri d'Eccellenza LVMH, Antonio Liverano School, Palazzo Spinelli, Metallo Nobile, Centro La Venaria Reale, and Spilimbergo mosaicist programs. Schools are encouraged to self-nominate if they meet certain criteria. OMA President Luciano Barsotti highlighted the critical need to enhance training opportunities to maintain skills and workforce. The project is ongoing and welcomes additional schools to join.

Key facts

  • Eccellenze in formazione is a research project by Associazione OMA mapping artisan craft schools in Italy.
  • Over 50 schools from 12 Italian regions are currently included.
  • Schools are divided into six macro sectors: goldsmithing/jewelry, leather goods/footwear, hard stones/woodworking/restoration, tailoring/accessories/fashion, glass/ceramics, and multidisciplinary.
  • Notable schools include Opificio delle Pietre Dure, LAO, Istituto dei Mestieri d'Eccellenza LVMH, Antonio Liverano School, Palazzo Spinelli, Metallo Nobile, Centro La Venaria Reale, and Spilimbergo mosaic programs.
  • Selection criteria include hands-on approach, value of offering, professionalizing itineraries, equipped spaces, and proximity to the job market.
  • The project aims to address generational turnover in artisan crafts.
  • Luciano Barsotti is President of Associazione OMA.
  • The mapping is in progress and schools can self-nominate.

Entities

Artists

  • Luciano Barsotti
  • Claudia Giraud

Institutions

  • Associazione OMA – Osservatorio dei Mestieri d'Arte
  • Opificio delle Pietre Dure
  • LAO – Le Arti Orafe
  • Istituto dei Mestieri d'Eccellenza LVMH
  • Antonio Liverano School
  • Palazzo Spinelli
  • Metallo Nobile
  • Centro La Venaria Reale
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Italy
  • Florence
  • Turin
  • Spilimbergo
  • Venaria Reale

Sources