ART INCONTRO UMBRIA is a three-week program of creative workshops and excursions exploring northern Umbria through its visual and written culture. Set in the beautiful Renaissance town of Città di Castello, the program provides a unique opportunity to develop ideas and skills while being immersed in the landscape, language and history of central Italy.

Città di Castello is set against the magnificent panorama of the Tiber valley with its green patchwork of farmlands and walled medieval villages. Lying half way between Rome and Florence, the town’s cultural legacy and distinctive architectural style reflect its position on the crossroads with Tuscany and the Marshes region. A charming and intimate place, Città di Castello is also a centre for quality craft practices in printing, weaving and furniture making and is the hometown of the influential abstract painter, Alberto Burri.

ART INCONTRO UMBRIA is flexible and relaxed and designed to foster your own creative interests. Highlights include visits to the historic centres of Perugia, Assisi, Spello, Gubbio, Arezzo and Sansepolcro; a day trip around the picturesque shores of Lake Trasimeno and Isola Maggiore; walks through lush countryside to discover traces of Etruscan, Romanesque and Medieval civilisations; opportunities to meet local artists and artisans, and time for your own art work and interests.

CREATIVE WORKSHOPS

Our creative journey begins with books and reading. Before departure, participants will receive an anthology of writing inspired by the region including fiction, biography, history, poetry and recipes.

In Umbria, participants will be encouraged to develop and pursue their own creative project and interests throughout the three weeks. The program begins with a bookmaking workshop enabling everyone to produce a handmade journal.

A series of drawing and printmaking sessions will provide an opportunity to record impressions, share ideas and develop skills. The sessions will include drawing field trips and structured workshops and will be flexible to accommodate different levels of experience.

To inspire you further the program incorporates visits to a variety of artists’ studios and workshops including painting, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, weaving, wrought iron and jewellery making.  The practical art making is complemented by visits to museums, modern and contemporary art galleries.

ACCOMMODATION

ART INCONTRO has secured apartment accommodation in a beautiful 15th century former convent, located in the heart of Città di Castello. The recently completed renovations to the apartments have sensitively maintained the building’s original structure and many of its Renaissance features.  Each apartment contains a living room, bedroom(s), private bathroom and modern kitchen. Single, twin-share and triple-share apartment accommodation options are available.  The town’s main piazza, cafes, restaurants, shops, public transport and other services are all within easy walking distance.

Sample ART INCONTRO UMBRIA itinerary

The itinerary is a PDF format. If you do not have Acrobat Reader on your computer, download a free copy.

To receive the complete 21 day itinerary, with current dates, prices and booking conditions, email ART INCONTRO and nominate ART INCONTRO UMBRIA. Please include your name, city and country in which you reside.