MADE LABS is the educational initiative conceived by MADE Program , the brand new project of the “Rosario Gagliardi” Academy of Fine Arts, Syracuse (Sicily). This fifth edition of MADE LABS, curated by Domitilla Dardi, includes 5 days of 5-day workshops and lectures, led by world-renowned creative professionals and addressed to designers, architects, and artists who are curious about new developments in their fields.
MADE Program, the organiser of MADE Labs, has decided to mark its tenth anniversary with a special edition of Labs, in collaboration with Arte Sella.
Where?
At Arte Sella, Borgo Valsugana, Autonomous Province of Trento
Villa Strobele, Malga Costa
Maso Calchèra San Giorgio, Grigno (organised transfer included).
When?
MADE LABS will happen from the 13thto the 17th JULY 2026
Who can partecipate?
MADE LABS is open to students and professionals (designers, architects, artists, etc.), and creatives worldwide. No advanced technical skills are required, but you should be curious, motivated, and willing to work as part of a team.
Language?
The tuition language will be English.
Visa requirements?
Participants who require a visa for Italy are responsible for obtaining this visa in time.
Equipment?
Participants should bring their own lap-top computers. WLAN is freely available. Please ensure that all your equipment is covered by your insurance.
WHY
Program
Made Labs are conceived as "high-intensity" labs. A unique formula that combines workshops and lectures under the guidance of important personalities in the world of design and architecture.
Guests
During the days of workshops and lectures, Made Labs will gather in one place prominent designers, architects and artists, coming from all over the world.
Place
MADE Program, the organiser of MADE Labs, has decided to mark its tenth anniversary with a special edition of Labs, in collaboration with Arte Sella. This year, the workshops will take place in Borgo Valsugana, in the province of Trento, a place where art, music, dance and other forms of human creativity come together, giving rise to a unique dialogue between human ingenuity and the natural world.
Credits
Upon successful completion of each workshop (35 hours of classes), MADE Program will issue 3 ECTS credits that can be transferred at the option of each student’s home University.
Furthermore, 30 Professional Training Credits for Architects (CFP) have been officially approved by the Ordine degli Architetti (Chamber of Architects). CFP credits for Engineers are currently under approval.
Networking
Connect with a global community of visionary designers, architects, and like-minded peers. This experience offers a unique platform to build lasting professional relationships within the international creative landscape, fostering a worldwide exchange of ideas in an inspiring, collaborative environment.
Affordability
According to the MADE Program's philosophy, we have done our best to make a high-level educational experience accessible to as many people as possible. Once again this year, Made Labs is offering a substantial number of scholarships to cover part of the participation costs for students. READ MORE ABOUT THE SCOLARSHIPS.
GUESTS
Workshops Leaders and Lecturer
Jacques Averna(jacquesaverna.com)
Agostino Iacurci(agostinoiacurci.com)
Alison Grace Martin
Curator
Domitilla Dardi
PROGRAM
Techno-Craft
When minds and hands meet
The joint Summer School organized by MADE Program and Arte Sella is based on the concept of “Techno-Craft,” which involves directly linking theoretical training in technology and science with hands-on craftsmanship.
All too often, in fact, these two aspects have been separated by cultural legacies that are now completely outdated and fossilized within educational frameworks that have even viewed them as opposites. On the contrary, the most recent experimental research is moving toward overcoming these barriers. Just consider—to give one example—that high-performance technological materials such as carbon fibers have applications entirely comparable to those of textile tailoring and papier-mâché.
The Summer School course offers participants the opportunity to engage with techniques and concepts, transcending the disciplinary boundaries that still constrain much academic research. Utilizing local resources, both in terms of hospitality and technical partnerships, the school’s workshops will be organized around complementary themes, also aligning with the expertise of the lead instructors.
Participants will be able to choose one of three design workshops, which will lead to the creation of prototypes, artifacts, artworks, and products, while also taking part in lectures and meetings open to all working groups.