Scuola Piccola Zattere

On 22 and 23 November 2024, Scuola Piccola Zattere—a new cultural institute in the heart of Venice—presents its cultural programme. This non-profit space is inspired by the Venetian scuola piccola, a unique and inclusive model of civic organisation. Open to cultural practitioners worldwide, it primarily serves Venice’s artistic community, including artists, researchers, and cultural operators who live, study, and work in the city.

This education and research centre for contemporary arts will feature exhibitions, commissions, residencies, workshops, seminars, and performances. The programme encourages cross-pollination between study, production, and participation. Inspired by the historic scuola piccola, Scuola Piccola Zattere aims to be a flexible community hub for cultural production and education, fostering public engagement. The name “school” highlights a social process of shared learning, where education is an outcome rather than a primary goal, reflecting a focus on Venice’s unique cultural landscape and needs.

Under the direction of Irene Calderoni, former curator of Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, the space will host public events, workshops, residencies, and offer space for independent projects, aiming to engage local students, researchers, and artists. Calderoni’s goal is to rethink institutions as spaces of process and dialogue, driven by the needs of the artistic community.
Victoria Mikhelson, the founder, envisions it as a platform connecting local and international contexts, where learning and creation are intertwined. Though small, it strives to build a broad artistic community.
The first year’s theme, “One Year Score” (November 2024 – November 2025),  explores social dynamics, space, and the body through various formats. The concept of “score” guides research on the relationship between instruction and action, blending performance, art, and education.

Friday, 22 November 2024, 6pm – 9pm
Saturday, 23 November 2024, 3pm – 9pm

Discover more at: scuolapiccolazattere.com