There is a new “piccola scuola” in Venice, in a building renovated by Fosbury

In Venice’s history, from the 14th century until the fall of the Venetian Republic, scuole piccole (small schools) flourished as centers of mutual support. These institutions provided not only material assistance but also fostered a shared spiritual and social community – creating what could be called a “community-space” for members to rely on one another. Inspired by this heritage, Scuola Piccola Zattere aims to be a place for research, creation, and exchange, reimagining the institution as an open forum for dialogue.

The project is led by Irene Calderoni, a curator of contemporary art and former chief curator at Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo in Turin. “With Scuola Piccola Zattere, we seek to establish a path that blends research with dialogue, reshaping the institution into a space of process, rather than a place for presentation alone,” Calderoni tells Domus. “Our approach focuses on mutual education and attentive listening to the needs of the artistic community working and studying in this city.”

Housed in a 19th-century palazzo in the Dorsoduro sestiere, the school’s setting has been skillfully transformed by the design collective Fosbury Architecture. The building’s once rigid layout has evolved into flexible, dynamic spaces that adapt to the needs of an institution driven by exchange and collaboration. Special attention was paid to the entrance, envisioned as a porous gateway that blurs the boundary between public and study space – a place that warmly invites the city inside, embodying the institution’s inclusive mission.

Adjacent to the entrance, the “ridotto” area serves as a zone of interaction and exchange, where the public can engage with an exploratory installation on themes of welcome and connection, set to run from November 2024 through February 2025.

Designed by Giga Design Studio, the visual identity of Scuola Piccola Zattere combines the rich historical essence of Venetian scuole (schools) with the evocative image of zattere (rafts) – a symbol of support, guidance, and survival. In this context, the school serves as a “raft” on a journey of knowledge, navigating shifting currents and discovering new horizons. “The visual identity draws on the idea of a solid platform that adapts and encourages change,” explains Giga Design Studio. Scuola Piccola Zattere is more than just a learning space; it’s a vibrant, open community where education and collaboration mutually enrich one another.

The school’s program includes artist residencies, fellowship opportunities, training events, and participatory installations. Together, these initiatives aim to establish Scuola Piccola Zattere as a distinctive center for contemporary art in Venice – a place where knowledge isn’t merely shared but collaboratively built, enriched by the diversity of each participant's experiences. Scuola Piccola Zattere sets its sights on innovation and dialogue, raising the sails of tradition while forging new paths forward, ready to welcome anyone willing to help shape the future of art and culture.

The inaugural research program, One Year Score, begins in November 2024, delving into themes of sociality, conflict, and the interplay between space and the body. The “score” acts as a shared framework for reflection and connection, encouraging interpretations that stimulate critical thought and engagement.

During the school’s open days on November 23 and 24, the first artist residencies and educational offerings will be introduced, featuring three selected artists. Each artist will participate in a roughly three-month residency, where they will contribute to the school’s educational activities as tutors, integrating their personal research into the educational setting and culminating in a final project. By late November, a fellowship program will expand this offering, inviting not only artists but also curators and emerging writers to deepen their practice and enrich the school’s program. The first fellowship will be awarded in late November, with two more to follow in January 2025. 

At Scuola Piccola Zattere, education and dialogue are at the heart of the experience, with activities ranging from lectures to workshops, all free and open to ensure accessibility. Exhibitions and performances will showcase accomplishments and future directions, offering a platform for dialogue across the community. Here, in this unique environment, Scuola Piccola Zattere fosters a platform for ongoing discussion and discovery within the entire community.