Curriculum
Program Philosophy
This program reflects the essence of IESA: combining academic excellence, professional immersion, and international openness to train informed and creative professionals in the fields of art and luxury.
Artistic Expertise
For over 40 years, IESA has trained specialists capable of analyzing the challenges of art, heritage, and the creative industries. Florence—an open air museum—provides the ideal setting to explore the relationship between historical art and contemporary luxury.
Craftsmanship Excellence
The program emphasizes the importance of artisanal savoir faire and the creative dialogue between artisans and luxury maisons. Participants meet master artisans—leatherworkers, jewelers, perfumers—and explore how their expertise fuels innovation within leading luxury houses.
Innovation & Professional Network
IESA cultivates an international network of experts, artists, and luxury professionals. Participants benefit from privileged exchanges with key industry figures, aligned with the school’s core values: curiosity, creativity, and professionalis
Key Highlights of the Program
- Immersive and professional approach: Engage with artisans, artists, curators, and museum professionals in two major art capitals—Paris and Florence.
- Focus on curation and craftsmanship: Practical workshops on exhibition design, museography, and the enhancement of artworks.
- Exploring the relationship between art and luxury: Exclusive visits to ateliers, museums, and galleries to understand collaborations between artists and luxury maisons.
- Final project: Participants curate an exhibition (virtual or physical) and present their work before a panel of industry experts.
Program Summer Session "Art & Luxury: creative dialogues with iconic houses"
Day 1: Introduction : Art, Luxury & Curation
Guided tour of the Louvre (masterpieces and their dialogue with contemporary luxury). Lecture: “How Art Inspires Luxury: From the Renaissance to Contemporary Art.” Workshop: “Decoding an Artwork and Its Connection to Luxury.
Art History: Analysis of major artistic movements (Renaissance, Art Nouveau) and their influence on design and craftsmanship. • Curation: How to select artworks for a thematic exhibition. • Craftsmanship & Expertise: Meeting with an art historian.
Day 2: Curation et Scenography
Visit to the Fondation Louis Vuitton (architecture, temporary exhibitions, and scenography). Meeting with a curator: “Creating a Visual Narrative for an Exhibition.” Workshop: “Designing an Exhibition Pathway.”
Art History: Study of landmark exhibitions (e.g., “Savage Beauty” by Alexander McQueen). • Curation: Techniques in scenography and cultural mediation. • Craftsmanship & Museum Practices: Introduction to museum-related professions.
Day 3: Art Contemporary art & collaborations
Visit to a contemporary art gallery (e.g., Perrotin, Thaddaeus Ropac). Roundtable discussion: “Artists and Luxury Houses: What Creative Collaborations?” (with an artist and a gallerist). Project: “Imagining a Collaboration Between an Artist and a Luxury Maison.” • Art
History: Focus on contemporary art (e.g., Yayoi Kusama and Louis Vuitton). • Curation: How to develop a collaborative exhibition. • Craftsmanship & Creative Process: Meeting with an artist to explore their vision and creative practice.
Day 4: Excellence in craftmanship
Visit to Haute Couture Ateliers (e.g., Chanel, Dior) or a luxury leatherworking workshop. Workshop: “Discovering Artisanal Savoir Faire” (meeting with a master artisan). Lecture: “Craftsmanship as a Living Heritage.”
Art History: Exploring the connection between historical craftsmanship (e.g., the Gobelins tapestries) and modern luxury. Curation: Showcasing craftsmanship within an exhibition context. Craftsmanship & Techniques: Practical demonstration of artisanal techniques (embroidery, leatherworking, jewelry making).
Day 5 Workshop : Collaborative project
Intensive Workshop: “Designing a Collaboration Between a Luxury Maison and a Contemporary Artist” (group project). Presentation of concepts before a jury (artist, curator, master artisan). Feedback and refinement session.
Art History: Case studies of successful collaborations. Curation: Methodology for designing a collaborative project. Craftsmanship & Professional Practice: Project presentations with personalized feedback.
Day 6 Digital Art & Emerging Forms of Expression
Visit to a digital art studio or an NFT focused gallery. Workshop: “Exploring Digital Art and Its Impact on the Luxury Industry.” Lecture: “Art in the Digital Age: Between Tradition and Innovation.”
Art History: Study of new forms of art (NFTs, augmented reality). Curation: Adapting curatorial practices to digital spaces. Digital Craft & Creative Practice: Meeting with a digital artist to explore their tools and creative process.
Day 7 Marketing & Communication in arts&luxury
Lecture: “Communication Strategies of Luxury Brands and Art Institutions.” Workshop: “Designing a Communication Campaign for an Exhibition.” Case Study: “How Museums and Galleries Use Social Media.”
Art History: Exploring the relationship between communication and the enhancement of artworks. Curation: How to promote an exhibition. Professional Insight: Meeting with a communications manager from a luxury maison or a museum.
8 Heritage & Conservation
Visit to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs or the Musée Nissim de Camondo (focus on conservation and museography). Meeting with a curator: “Preserving and Showcasing Artistic and Luxury Heritage.” Workshop: “Designing a Heritage Display.”
Art History: Study of corporate museums (e.g., the Hermès Museum, the Cartier Foundation). Curation: Strategies for showcasing and enhancing heritage collections. Museum & Conservation Skills: Introduction to careers in conservation and museology.
9 Curation Project – Completion Phase
Workshop: “Finalizing the Curation Project” (virtual or physical exhibition, group work). Free time to visit an exhibition of your choice (e.g., Palais de Tokyo, Centre Pompidou). Preparation of final presentations.
Art History: Review of artistic influences on luxury and curatorial practice. Curation: Presentation of exhibition projects before a jury of industry professionals. Professional Insight: Exchanges and feedback sessions with guest experts.
10 Project presentation
Presentation of the projects before a jury (curator, master artisan, communications manager). Certificate ceremony. Closing event with networking cocktail. Art History: Synthesis of key learnings. Curation: Review of projects and professional perspectives. Professional Networking: Connections with speakers and fellow participants
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