Study in Venice
Posted On 10-07-2026
Judith is a German student who was participating in an exchange program at the Academy of Bologna in 2026. After reading about the Arts in Venice Summer School, she decided to seize the opportunity and deepen her knowledge by taking part in these two weeks of intensive courses. Initially, she was particularly drawn to the chance to study the works on display at the Venice Biennale art exhibition under the guidance of expert instructors, but once she arrived in Venice, she discovered the richness of the summer school’s multidisciplinary program. Here is her experience.
Hey Judith, can you please tell us something about you?
Hi, I’m Judith Vollmer from Germany, currently living in Augsburg, near Munich. I’m studying Communication Design at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg and previously completed vocational training in Pedagogy and Theology. Passionate about all forms of art and design, I have particular interest in illustration and drawing.
How long have you been in Italy?
I came to Italy at the end of February to study at the Accademia di Belle Arti. It has been a great experience to explore a different culture and gain new perspectives on art and design. During my stay, I had the opportunity to visit the Bologna Children's Book Fair, which was truly inspiring. I also visited the Venice Biennale, where I was able to experience
contemporary art from all over the world. Both events have had a lasting influence on my creative work and artistic perspective. In Bologna, I attended courses in marble sculpture, life drawing, and drawing techniques. This period also gave me the freedom to focus on my own artistic practice, develop new works, and experiment with different materials.
In contrast, my time in Venice allowed me to attend a wide range of courses that introduced me to completely new topics, ideas, and approaches. I discovered inspiring projects, broadened my artistic perspective, and learned more about Venice's rich cultural and artistic heritage. During the study trips, we had the opportunity to visit different places of study and explore archaeological excavation sites. We also saw important works of art in museums and historical locations.
One of the highlights was learning about the process of digitising ancient musical manuscripts. Throughout the week, we also developed and created our own artistic project, which allowed us to combine our experiences and ideas in a creative way. One of the most valuable aspects of my stay was the opportunity to study at two different academies. Experiencing their distinct teaching methods, artistic environments, and perspectives has greatly enriched my education and influenced the way I approach my own creative practice.
Why did you decide to apply to the Arts in Venice Summer School?
At first, my main reason for coming to Venice was to visit the Biennale. However, I quickly realized that the city itself becomes a completely different place when it is experienced through the eyes of the people who live there.
I am very grateful for this experience and, above all, for the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people. I truly enjoyed studying in Venice and discovering the city from a new perspective. The connections I made allowed me to learn a great deal, both artistically and personally. I am looking forward to staying in touch and continuing this exchange of
ideas in the future.
Can you choose one highlight from these last weeks?
One of the most memorable experiences was learning how to row in the Venetian lagoon. In the evening, we enjoyed the sunset from the water while listening to a live concert, making it a truly unforgettable moment. Another highlight was discovering places in Venice that many visitors never get to see. We visited the Church of Madonna dell'Orto, explored Giudecca with its galleries and part of the Academy, and experienced a quieter, more authentic side of the city.
Finally, I was fascinated by how present art is throughout Venice. Beyond the Biennale itself, contemporary artworks could be found in historic palazzos across the city, creating a unique dialogue between Venice's rich history and contemporary artistic expression.
What are the next steps in your life?
When I go back to Germany, I will complete my Bachelor's degree in Communication Design. At the end of the summer, I will present an exhibition featuring the works I created during my time in Italy. After finishing my Bachelor's degree, I plan to continue my studies by pursuing a Master's degree. Perhaps this will bring me back to Italy, where I would be happy to continue exploring new artistic perspectives and building on the experiences I gained during my stay in Italy.