This educational project is organized for all schools in the Veneto Region and made possible through the collaboration of three institutions: the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Regione del Veneto and Fondazione Marino Golinelli. The project aims to involve students and teachers in interdisciplinary tours of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection that contextualize artworks in the historical, literary, scientific, and philosophical settings inherent to modern or contemporary culture. Special attention is given to schools with no art courses in their curricula, by giving students an opportunity to examine modern artistic culture and historic heritage and their relations to their course of studies. The project is comprised of different parts: first, teachers are provided with advance informative packages; then, students participate in multidisciplinary projects; and lastly, teachers and students are invited to the museum for tours and workshops. Structure Conference Seminars at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection Collaboration between school teachers and the museum staff Tailored educational programs Art workshops in schools Documentation Structure At the beginning of the school year all regional schools receive information on the program and an application form. All activities are free of charge, with the exception of on-site extracurricular workshops. top Conference Early in the school year, a one day conference is organized to inform teachers of the project and its current activities. Teachers who have been previously involved in the project may also explain the relation between the various activities and the schools curricula, and thus provide examples of how the multidisciplinary project can be realized. The conference is also aimed to give teachers and educators an opportunity to discuss specific methodological problems. top Seminars at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection Teachers and educators, subdivided according to their students’ age, are invited to two educational seminars at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. The first seminar is held by Philip Rylands, Director of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, to illustrate the history of the museum and the works collected by Peggy Guggenheim, introducing artistic and historical concepts fundamental to understanding the significance and value of the works. The second seminar is held by the curators of the project to focus on the variety of methodologies involved in interdisciplinary education. It also examines projects and activities related to the study of modern and contemporary culture, addressing questions and concerns that teachers have come across while teaching the arts, as well as feasible solutions. top Collaboration between school teachers and the museum staff Teachers who apply to the A Scuola di Guggenheim project, and submit a creative and interdisciplinary project, will be able to consult and to seek advice from the museum staff and to access all relevant reference material, which will be necessary for the elaboration and realization of their projects. The collaboration between educators and museum staff is a vital aspect of the project as it supports the realization of tailored projects and relies on the material discussed in the seminars. top Tailored educational programs The museum staff develops tailored programs for the registered classes that focus on works in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in order to stimulate debates on issues discussed in previous seminars. During the museum visit, the guide will involve students directly in the examination of the works, adapting the selection of works and themes discussed to meet the needs of the students in the group. Direct exposure to the works of art constitutes an aesthetic and emotional experience, which should encourage thought and reflection on the works themselves and on the context in which they were created. At the end of the visit, reference material is given to the teacher. top Art workshops in schools The workshops are designed and led by artists. They are held for kindergarden, primary and secondary schools to complete the educational program through activities that take place throughout the school year. The activities are based on the works in the museum, its history, its artists and their lives, and offer an opportunity to explore the Collection in depth. Children and students enjoy the opportunity to explore different themes from the point of view of the artist and his/her creative process, which thereby enriches their knowledge and critical approach through direct experience. top Documentation A Scuola di Guggenheim aims to create a research community among all the schools involved in the project, and to provide other schools and museums with access to information to participate or create a similar program. Therefore, at the end of the school year, teachers are requested to submit documentation of the projects undertaken and their results in the classroom. The documentation enriches the archives and wil be stored online. top For more information: www.ascuoladiguggenheim.it Anita Todesco Education Assistant tel. 041.2405.444 fax: 041.5206.885 e-mail: informazioni@ascuoladiguggenheim.it credits: Hangar Design Group, foto: Andrea Sarti/CAST1466