Contemporary Art, Architecture & Design School in Italy

European Cultural Academy - Contemporary Art, Architecture & Design Courses:
Established in three historic palaces in Venice, the Academy offers short art and architecture courses for professionals, students, and art lovers. We believe in the power of education to help people thrive creatively and professionally. Join our programs created in collaboration with the Venice Biennale, the University of Oxford, and other prestigious institutions.

We offer our students a unique perspective on the city of Venice thanks to our network of professionals (architects, designers, artists, gallerists, and La Biennale di Venezia team), we guide them in discovering the hidden gems of the city and give them access to the most exclusive art shows and events.

Come to Venice to get inspired by our short and summer courses, enterely taught in English for participants and students of all backgrounds. We will share our insights as organisers of international exhibitions including the world famous Venice Biennale.

The European Cultural Academy in Venice was created by the European Cultural Centre with the wish to share 15 years of experience in art, architecture and design. For more than a decade we have helped creative communities to increase visibility, build connections and make a lasting impact on their careers. 

Our distinguished faculty includes artists, designers, curators, gallerists, architects and scholars that will help you to build necessary skills and enable you to navigate through an opaque and very competitive industry. Every group is led by very qualified and internationally acknowledged professionals. Students learn from curators, commissioners, press-managers, and artists.

Prominent professors in History of Art, Architecture and Curatorial Management are invited to complete the curriculum and ensure a solid academic component.

The European Cultural Academy is truly international environement, there is an average of 11 nationalities per group and ECA alumni work in 23 different countries. We are happy when course WhatsApp chats are active even 9 months after. Reunions has taken place in London, New York, Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, Moscow and once again Venice.

You might not know their names but they are the ones who organise, study and make things happen. Director of the The Ruskin School of Art (University of Oxford, UK), Architect for the Man Base at the Burning Man, curator at Tate Modern (UK) or ArkDes (SE), artist-participant of the Venice Biennale. They give you insights during group discussions and communal dinners.

We welcome students, artists, and participants of all backgrounds with an interest in  Arts, Architecture and Culture. 

Accommodation:
European Cultural Academy can advise you on your options including apartment, hostel, or hotel stays.

"The opportunity to learn on the "behind the scenes" of the Venice Biennale was invaluable.The Academy nurtured in me the will to pursue a professional experience within the Biennale one day. We studied in the environment full of warmth and joy. It could not have been better!"
Maria

"The dynamic relationships and idea exchanges with fellow students is so valuable. The course gave me sense of validation and calm regarding the direction of my career and personal path through the world of art and culture."
Jocelyn

"Professionals shared the secrets of the trade in an personal setting and we were challenged to try ourselves in a group exercise. The program also includes a visit to the Biennale, to local workshops, which makes the week intense, but also fun and very rewarding."
Hisham