School for Curatorial Studies Venice Celebrates 20 Years
The School for Curatorial Studies Venice, founded in 2004 by Aurora Fonda and Sandro Pignotti, marks its 20th anniversary. Born from Fonda's experience as director of Galleria AplusA, which hosts the Slovenian Pavilion during the Venice Biennale, the school addressed a gap in practical curatorial training in Italy. Initially a three-week course, it expanded due to high demand, and in 2015 launched a Summer School in English for international students. The curriculum emphasizes direct engagement with artists, including studio visits and collaborative projects. Students curate a public exhibition as a final project; this year's show, "no[w]here," explores belonging, identity, and memory through works by international and Venetian artists. Notable alumni include Jesse Darling (Turner Prize winner 2023) and Aki Sasamoto (Venice Biennale 2022). The school now offers online courses and continuously updates its faculty and curriculum to reflect evolving art world practices.
Key facts
- School for Curatorial Studies Venice founded in 2004 by Aurora Fonda and Sandro Pignotti.
- Aurora Fonda has directed Galleria AplusA since 2003.
- Galleria AplusA is the official venue for the Slovenian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale.
- First edition was a three-week course; second edition followed immediately due to success.
- Summer School launched in 2015 for international students.
- Online courses started during the pandemic.
- Final exhibition 'no[w]here' features international and Venetian artists.
- Jesse Darling exhibited with the school in 2018, won Turner Prize in 2023.
- Aki Sasamoto participated in school exhibition and Venice Biennale 2022.
Entities
Artists
- Aurora Fonda
- Sandro Pignotti
- Jesse Darling
- Aki Sasamoto
- Eva and Franco Mattes
- Giorgio Andreotta Calò
- Simon Denny
- Ahmet Ogut
Institutions
- School for Curatorial Studies Venice
- Galleria AplusA
- Slovenian Pavilion
- Venice Biennale
- Turner Prize
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Florence