Department of Art and Design
Welcome to the Department of Art and Design at John Cabot University. The department offers courses in a range of disciplines, including drawing, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, textiles and video art.
We understand the importance of digital and emerging technologies in equipping you for future realities, and we also respect the need to learn the traditional skills that underpin creative disciplines. Students have the opportunity to work with industry standard technology to develop ideas and engage with digital production, whilst also having the scope to work with traditional media such as darkroom photography and printmaking. Our courses often encourage students to explore the overlaps and develop unique and individual ways of working in a multidisciplinary context.
Our courses encourage students to become skilled critical makers: to integrate theory with practice and to interrogate and engage with ideas through materials. We place an emphasis on the staging of exhibitions both within the University and at external venues as key to helping students develop professionalism and traditional, digital and presentation skills.
Major in Art and Design
The B.A. in Art and Design at John Cabot University in Rome is a unique chance to explore a liberal arts education that will sharpen your critical thinking, enrich your artistic practice, and build a versatile skillset. Choosing Rome for your art and design studies places you in one of the world’s most culturally vibrant cities. With its ancient monuments, contemporary art scene, and rich history, Rome becomes your living canvas, inspiring site-specific works and deepening your cultural understanding. Plus, with opportunities to intern at museums, galleries, and design studios, you will gain hands-on experience and industry connections that will shape your future career.
Minor in Art and Design
Art and Design is an inherently interdisciplinary field that encompasses all aspects of creative practice, from conception to production. It is firmly anchored in theoretical and methodological approaches, and it is inherently experimental and socially engaged.
The Minor in Art and Design develops visual thinking and aesthetic awareness; as well as abilities for innovative decision-making, problem-solving, and project management.
Art & Design Faculty
The Art and Design faculty stand out interdisciplinary creative practices and international experience, offering students the chance to learn from professionals who are both locally rooted in Rome's vibrant cultural scene and globally connected to the art and design world. The faculty includes internationally recognized artists, curators, and designers who regularly exhibit their work in major galleries and museums worldwide. Their practices are interdisciplinary, blending traditional and modern techniques that reflect the dynamic nature of contemporary art and design. With backgrounds spanning various cultural and academic contexts, the faculty members bring a wealth of global perspectives to the classroom, covering fields such as digital media arts, graphic design, photography, printmaking, video production, painting, textiles, and art history.
Learn more about the Art and Design faculty.
Student Exhibitions
Student exhibitions at John Cabot University are an integral part of the Art and Design program, placing exhibition-making at the heart of the student experience. These exhibitions are collaborative efforts, where students work closely together, exchanging ideas and sharing creative insights. Exhibitions take place in a wide variety of venues throughout Rome, including galleries, historic churches, and the botanical gardens, creating a dynamic and diverse context for presenting work.
The collaborative nature of these exhibitions allows students to engage in all aspects of the process, from curating and installing to promoting and interacting with the public. This teamwork fosters a sense of community and encourages creative problem-solving as students navigate the complexities of exhibition-making together. Through these collective efforts, students learn not only how to present their work professionally but also how to collaborate effectively with peers, preparing them for the demands of the art and design world.
