A point of convergence between tradition and innovation, where creativity integrates with technique, sustainability and digitalisation processes.

Courses in the Fine Arts and Curation thematic area explore the languages of contemporary art, artistic restoration practices, curation and legal aspects of the art system, within an interdisciplinary context in constant dialogue with the creative industry.

In this perspective, art does not constitute exclusively a discipline to be learnt, but is configured as a tool through which to develop reflections on the self, communicate with others and generate social impact. IED promotes the development of a critical and responsible vision, capable of connecting artistic practice with ongoing cultural and technological transformations.

 

Restoration

Study and application of techniques for the conservation and restoration of artworks, with particular attention to materials such as painting, sculpture, paper and textiles. Traditional and digital methods are explored in depth, according to a responsible approach oriented towards the protection of cultural heritage.

Contemporary Art

Development of artistic competencies through pathways in painting, visual and digital arts, with particular attention to experimentation and research. The relationship between contemporary practices, traditional and emerging media is explored.

Curation

Design and management of exhibitions, events and cultural spaces, with focus on contemporary curatorial practices. The dynamics of the art system, visual communication and mediation processes between public and content are studied.

Art Law

In-depth exploration of regulations governing the art market, with particular reference to intellectual property, contracts and artwork management. Legal aspects relating to the protection and circulation of cultural goods are analysed.

Arts Management

Strategic management of cultural projects, with particular attention to organisation, promotion and sustainability. Competencies are developed in fundraising, marketing, project management and building professional networks in the cultural sector.

IED Offering in Fine Arts and Curation

Competencies and Professional Prospects

The acquired competencies enable students to enter heterogeneous professional contexts related to the production, conservation and management of art. Upon completion of their pathway, graduates operate in fields such as museums, galleries, cultural foundations, restoration studios, public bodies and multidisciplinary realities. They collaborate in the design and enhancement of exhibition spaces, cultural services and artistic projects, contributing to sector innovation through an integrated approach between art, technique and sustainability.

 

IED Students Currently Work As:

Conceptual Artist, Visual Artist, Arts Manager, Curator, Museum Educator, Cultural Entrepreneur, Restorer, Artistic Conservation Specialist, Registrar.

Projects

Arts and Restoration

Florence

Final projects / thesis projects
Bones of Tomorrow

Visual and Interactive Arts

Rome

Didactic projects
Latent autobiography

Visual and Interactive Arts

Rome

Final projects / thesis projects
Geographies of the Prototype and of a Self Found Elsewhere

Visual and Interactive Arts

Rome

Didactic projects
River

Visual and Interactive Arts

Rome

Didactic projects
Consumerism ratio

Visual and Interactive Arts

Rome

Didactic projects
Condition/Report

Visual and Interactive Arts

Rome

Didactic projects
Rotting in bloom

Visual and Interactive Arts

Rome

Didactic projects
Oneirai drawings

Arts and Restoration

Florence

Final projects / thesis projects
Dominae - A Podcast for Museo Sant'Orsola

News

11 September 2026

Issue 4: Material World - Plural Intelligences

What happens when we recognize the intelligence of materials and learn to work with it responsibly, collectively, and collaboratively?

07 September 2026

Fashion show and festival: the IED Public Programme is back

In September, IED's Public Program returns with a calendar of events across its campuses in Italy and Spain, offering opportunities for dialogue, exchange and discovery open to the community and the wider public.

28 August 2026

What does sustainability mean for a design school?

When discussing sustainability, the debate often focuses on environmental impacts and the responsible use of resources. But what does sustainability mean, in practical terms, for a school that educates future designers, creatives and professionals capable of driving change?

03 July 2026

July: Exhibitions, Installations and New Horizons for IED.60 Public Program

With the arrival of July, IED Graduation Days enter their busiest phase across IED’s Italian campuses, bringing with them a series of public events designed to showcase the ideas, projects and research developed by students.

12 June 2026

Issue 3: Future Memories - Plural Intelligences

What will we choose to remember from the present we are living through? This is the starting point of the third issue of Notes on Plural Intelligences – Future Memories.

09 June 2026

Creativity in motion: the IED.60 Public Programme gets underway

June marks a special moment for IED: the Public Program IED.60 is in full swing, with a rich calendar of events spanning fashion, design, illustration and visual arts, bringing talks, exhibitions and open events to Milan, Rome, Florence and New York for the IED community and the wider public.

21 May 2026

IED AHEAD - Design your tomorrow, today.

Enrol by 31 July 2026 and get an exclusive 20% discount on tuition fees for Undergraduate and Foundation Courses starting in September, October and November 2027.

11 May 2026

Design tells its story at the Turin International Book Fair with EDICOLA IED

From 14 to 18 May, a newsstand of creativity presented the first two issues of Notes on Plural Intelligences alongside a selection of the best Italian and international magazines, accompanied by a programme of talks and workshops that explored themes of design, publishing and contemporary communication.

07 May 2026

IED.60 Public Program - May: between Plural Intelligences and the culture of design

The programme of IED events open to both the internal and external communities continues in may; it was launched to mark the 60th anniversary as a collective reflection on the role of design.