Signing the Story: Bridging Media Access in Italy

Florence University of the Arts proudly hosted Fulbright Scholar Madison McNair during the Spring 2025 semester. During her time with FUA, McNair conducted several guest lectures, she engaged in discussions with videography and digital media students to learn how to make their projects more accessible, and she worked alongside the university's Communications Office to develop an article for the student-run publication, Blending Magazine.

 

In the heart of Florence, during the Spring 2025 semester, Madison McNair quietly conducted groundbreaking work amplifying a community long overlooked–not through sound, but through sign. A Fulbright Research Scholar with a background in journalism and American Sign Language (ASL), McNair has taken her passion for media accessibility across the world to explore and expand the accommodations that are in palace in Italy for the Deaf community.

 

McNair's path to Florence was not from a route of meticulous planning. Rather, the result of curiosity, intuition, and a willingness to follow unexpected opportunities. A Georgia State University  graduate, she originally dreamt of becoming a news reporter. “That was the goal,” she said. After experiencing the harsh realities of breaking news mixed with the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, her aspirations shifted.

 

While fulfilling a foreign language requirement, Madison chose ASL and discovered something she never expected to find. “I fell in love with American Sign Language,” she said. That spark led to a unique role at Sign1News, one of the first stations in the United States to deliver news in sign language. The experience planted the seed for the goal to advocate for media accessibility on a global scale. 

 

Enter Fulbright.

 

McNair did not originally have the Fulbright Program on her radar. During a late-night search of a way to merge her passions of journalism and advocating for the Deaf community, she stumbled upon the opportunity. “I thought it was a scam at first,” she joked. With encouragement from Georgia State and her employer at Georgia Tech she applied to the Fulbright Program, and the rest is history.

 

Her Fulbright research focuses on the intersection of media and accessibility, particularly how Italian broadcast television accommodates the Deaf community. The journey has demanded flexibility. “Nobody was responding to my interview requests at first,” she admitted. That challenge led her to Rome, where she spent four months teaching ASL and journalism to children aged 6 to 11. The experienced, while unplanned, enriched her work and gave her research a practical, human-centered layer.

 

Back in Florence, Madison’s research continues through in-depth interviews with Deaf professionals, exploring how they engage with media and obstacles they face. One of her key findings was noticing the stark contrast between accessibility for hearing and non hearing individuals. Italy only offers sign language interpreters on TV during specific hours. Many of the people McNair interviewed rely on streaming services like Netflix and HBO because traditional Italian media fails to meet their needs. “They’re missing out on shared cultural moments,” she said. Examples like Super Bowl or major news events that are inaccessible in real time for many Deaf individuals .

 

The lack of access isn’t a coincidence, but rather instead rooted in historical injustice. In the 1880s, a conference in Milan infamously banned the use of sign language in education, claiming that spoken language was superior. “Only one of 164 delegates was Deaf,” McNair explained. “Decisions like that have long-lasting impacts.” Italy only officially recognzined Italian Sign Language (LIS) in 2021.

 

Despite the slow progress, McNair sees gilmmers of hope. HBO's recent efforts to offer ASL-interpreted versions of films like Barbie, Godzilla, and The Last of Us represent a meaningful step forward. Unfortunately such accessibility remains the exception, instead of the rule.

 

Throughout her time in Italy, McNair has come to appreciate not just the professional development the experience has offered, but the personal growth as well. “Florence exceeded my expectations,” she said, reflecting on her time living abroad for the first time. “The people are so friendly. I had lived in Atlanta my whole life. Moving here was scary, but so worth it.”

 

As her Fulbright term has come to a close, McNair doesn't know exactly what the future holds. Whether she’ll continue in education, advocacy, or return to journalism is still up in the air. One thing is for certain, right now she is exactly where she is supposed to be. Through her work, she’s not only conducting research, but building bridges between worlds that rarely meet and giving a voice to a community thats long been unheard.

Stir the Pot

Study-abroad life in Florence offers more than lectures and gallery visits. One standout example of extracurricular programming through the FUA Student Life & Development Department is the “Stir the Pot” Diversity, Ecquity & Inclusion cooking class held at the Palazzi Community Center. Designed and led by culinary students from Florence University of the Arts (FUA) in collaboration with the Apicius School of Hospitality at The American University of Florence (AUF), the event gives participants a practical introduction to Italian-inspired cuisine.

Seventeen students took part in the spring semester’s session, which began with an orientation on kitchen safety and an overview of the evening’s menu: steak with Guinness sauce, spiced shrimp, sautéed Swiss chard, fresh bread, and a creamy rice pudding. Divided into four small groups across two adjacent rooms, students rotated through each station. At the steak station, guidance included timing the grill—about three to four minutes per side depending on thickness—before finishing with a reduction sauce. Other groups focused on preparing bread dough, seasoning and cooking shrimp, and assembling the rice pudding dessert.

 

FUA & AUF culinary students supervised every step, demonstrating knife skills, explaining flavor pairings, and offering tips on presentation. The event provided all necessary equipment and ingredients, as well as refreshments throughout the evening. After preparation, the entire group reconvened at a single, long table to enjoy the dishes they had prepared together.

 

Beyond cooking techniques, the activity offers a social component that helps international students feel at home. Participants came from various U.S. states—from New York to California to Texas—and the shared activity encouraged conversation and collaboration. For many, it was an opportunity to connect with peers outside the classroom, exchange cultural perspectives, and build informal support networks.

 

“Stir the Pot” is one of several extracurricular options available to FUA students each semester. Alongside art workshops, language exchanges, and city-wide walking tours, this cooking event highlights the university’s commitment to blending academic study with practical, real-world experiences. It also underscores Florence’s rich culinary heritage and gives students hands-on exposure to local ingredients and cooking styles.

 

By the end of the evening, attendees not only tasted a full-course meal but also walked away with new kitchen skills, recipe ideas, and friendships that extend beyond the classroom walls. For any student seeking to make the most of their time abroad in Florence, signing up for “Stir the Pot” provides both practical learning and a chance to engage fully with the local community.

Nursing Beyond Borders

For many students, studying abroad is a chance to immerse in culture, language, and art. But for a growing number of American nursing students, Florence is becoming a destination not just for gelato and Renaissance masterpieces—but for clinical rotations, hands-on experience in local hospitals, and a better understanding of patient care on a global scale. 

 

Now in its second year, the nursing curriculum integration program at Florence University of the Arts (FUA) is doing something few study abroad programs attempt: placing undergraduate nursing students in clinical settings in a foreign country. The program, launched in partnership with Fairfield University, located in Fairfield, Connecticut, is expanding and looking to welcome new universities and students.

 

“We have a lot of nursing students who come to Italy… but only take general education or elective courses,” said Sofia Galli, an FUA Faculty member who oversees the academic structure. “It’s only in the past year that we’ve begun really pushing for students to take nursing courses—courses that match their curriculum back home, including clinical rotations.”

 

With 20 nursing students in the program, Galli believes the learning experience is enriched by exploring how healthcare is shaped by each country’s structure, social norms, and laws. “For the students, it’s very enriching to be exposed to a way of promoting health and ensuring a community’s well-being that they have not seen before.” 

 

The curriculum includes topics like Geriatric Healthcare, Biomedical Ethics, Health Assessment, and Communication in Virtual Care, and is designed to align with the requirements of nursing programs in the United States. Students complete their clinical hours at two local hospitals: Careggi and Santa Maria Nuova, both well-respected facilities in Florence. “We hope to keep expanding the collaboration," Galli said. “Last year we only worked with Careggi – both are great hospitals.” 

 

This experience, while academically rigorous, offers a rare opportunity to observe and participate in healthcare in an entirely different system. Italy’s public healthcare, ranked second in the world by the World Health Organization, uniquely contrasts the privatized structure most American students are familiar with.

 

“It’s very enriching for students to be exposed to different healthcare settings,” Galli explained. “Healthcare is shaped by sociology, laws, and social norms. Italy offers a different model of caregiving—free public healthcare, longer-term patient stays, and fewer staff specializing in narrow roles like in the U.S.”

 

For the students, the differences are eye-opening.

 

“We actually got to assist with more things than we might have in the U.S.,” said Emma Gomes, a nursing student from Fairfield. “Nurses here do a lot more themselves, and they don’t have the same kind of specialties. For example, there's no anesthesiologist—the doctor does it.”

 

Students also noted a deeper personal connection with staff and patients, despite the language barrier. “The nurses are so welcoming,” said student Caroline Brady. “They bring us cappuccinos when they know we are exhausted, let us into their nursing stations, they make us feel like part of the team.”

 

But communication challenges have required adaptability. Many of the patients are older and don’t speak English, forcing students to rely on observation, nonverbal cues, and the help of professional nurse tutors who translate and guide them.

 

“That’s a lesson that really sticks,” said another student, Alice Murchie. “It’s not just about speaking the same language—it’s about learning how to communicate with empathy and attention.”

The program’s impact extends beyond clinical skills. “This is their first clinical experience—ever—and they’re doing it abroad,” Galli said. “They grow immensely, not just professionally but personally. They gain practical skills, human skills, and resilience.”

 

With roughly 40 students in the cohort, most from Fairfield University, the program has already created a tight-knit learning community. Many students reflected on the close bonds they formed with peers, mentors, and patients. “It's something we’ll never get to experience again,” said Lauren Hoppe. “Being part of a different system, seeing how care is delivered—it changes your perspective on nursing and on people.”

 

Despite the cultural differences and challenges, the students overwhelmingly described their time in Florence as a highlight of their academic journey. While few said they’d want to work abroad permanently due to lower pay and stricter career mobility, they all agreed the experience gave them a broader, more compassionate view of nursing.

 

Looking ahead, FUA hopes to expand the program beyond its current partnership. “We want more universities to consider building clinical curriculum integration with us,” said Galli. “This isn’t just about Italy. It’s about preparing future nurses to think globally, to adapt, and to lead.”

 

As the world becomes increasingly connected, especially in healthcare, programs like this one offer a blueprint for how education can cross borders—not just for students, but for the betterment of patient care everywhere.

Conference Proceedings Now Available – 2023 Annual Academic Conference

Florence University of the Arts & Stony Brook University are pleased to announce the publication of the official proceedings from the XII Annual Academic Conference, “Garden of Culture: Calvino’s Memos for the New Millennium.”

 

Held in Florence on December 1–2, 2023, the conference brought together scholars, students, and community members to reflect on the literary and cultural legacy of Italo Calvino, marking the centenary of his birth. Through interdisciplinary panels, keynote speeches, and student presentations, participants explored Calvino’s Six Memos for the New Millennium and his enduring relationship with nature, imagination, and intellectual cultivation.

Click here. The full text is now available to read today!

Blending Magazine Proudly Presents: Underground Florence

In the early weeks of 2025, a new idea was born for the Spring Issue of Blending Magazine. Through the minds of professors Alessandro Calonego, David Andre Weiss, and Alex Klein they developed this semester’s theme of Underground Florence. The goal of Blending is always to urge students to engage within the local community, immerse themselves culturally, and learn in a practical environment, in which this theme only further stimulated.

 

All the way back in January, professors Calonego, Weiss, and Klein involved The American University of Florence (AUF)’s full-time photography students and FUA’s Journalism study abroad students in a month-long project to jumpstart the magazine. During these weeks, students interviewed and took photos of the likes of Gimmy Tranquillo from Controradio, local musician Lorenzo Hugolini, and the pillar of the underground scene: Bruno Casini. Through this month-long project, our students set a new precedent and level of work for the rest to follow.

 

The work of Blending Magazine truly begins in the early weeks of March, when the spring semester starts. Already having developed three articles for the magazine back in January through the interviews with Tranquillo, Hugolini, and Casini, both professors and students involved in courses dedicated to the Blending Magazine were able to understand the level we wanted to achieve this semester. Additionally this spring, students were involved more than ever, directly communicating with the communications office, running ideas and proposals by the magazine team, and working through many edits from abstract proposals, rough drafts, to the final copy that is presented before you today.

 

In today’s current digital climate it is more easy than ever to utilize online sources such as ChatGPT, Wikipedia, and Google Search results as a student; and more difficult than ever for professors to determine what is organically student-written and what is not. We wanted to develop a theme for this magazine that pushed students to pull themselves away from the screen and engage within the local community. To discover Florence from a brand new perspective; not through a google search. The theme of Underground Florence did just that. Through the test-run in January, engaging students in sit-down interviews, we saw immediate results. Then moving into March, this momentum only built further. Students displayed genuine interest, visiting local jewelers, cafes, record shops, speaking to passerby on the streets, all looking for genuine, organic stories from Florence’s past and current underground scene.

 

As you read through this magazine, you will notice most, if not every article includes a genuine lived experience, or a sit-down interview with Florentine locals. When the Blending faculty team sat down in January and created this idea of Underground Florence, that was their bold vision: to develop a magazine filled with lived and true experiences that our students could take with them for the rest of their lives. Students this semester were able to discover Florence from a brand new, fresh perspective, and gain invaluable experience engaging with our local community.

 

To put it all in perspective, this semester a total of 14 courses were involved in the production of Blending Magazine. A special thanks is necessary to Nora Ferrucci for creating the new layout template for the students to work off of and coordinating interviews for students. Additionally, special thanks are in order for this semester's additional course instructors, Marco Gualtieri, Lapo Morgantini, Beatrice Compani, Silvia Giani, Federica Forti, Michael Howerton, and Valeria Faraoni. Without their involvement and coordination with their students, this magazine would not exist.

 

As you read through Blending Magazine’s Spring Issue: Underground Florence, we hope that it brings you, the reader, the same sense of joy and excitement as it brings us. The students this semester truly went above and beyond. Whether it be through pouring their creativity into writing, further developing their classmates’ work as proofreaders, or bringing the articles and spreads to life as photographers and graphic designers, every role was essential to bringing the theme of Underground Florence to fruition.

 

Click here to read the latest issue!

Florence University of the Arts Experiential Field Learning Destinations offer immersive Italian Cultural Education

Florence University of the Arts (FUA) offers a unique approach to education with its Experiential Field Learning (EFL) destinations. These activities are designed to push students to explore and learn by taking them to experience important landmarks and locations around Italy. 

 

The EFL department offers students multiple different types of trips such as one-day destinations, or weekend activities. No matter which trip a student attends, they can be sure to experience the intricacies of Italy.

 

Mariana Di Labbio has been working as the EFL Coordinator for FUA for two years. Her job is to organize and manage the experiential field learning activities. While the trips offer students a nice advantage in exploring Italy, students also can gain genuine in-depth knowledge of the location from teachers. “I think that cultural integration, maybe, could be one of the main objectives, which is also in line with the FUA mission in general,” explains  Di Labbio. 

 

Di Labbio adds that the EFL trips truly build engagement “… you can also have the chance to see some hidden aspects of Italian culture, because we not only offer, for example, Milan or Turin or Rome, which are big cities, but also smaller towns in Tuscany.” 

 

One major advantage of EFL is that it offers a safe and comfortable way to explore Italy. “Sometimes we have students that are for the first time in Europe or out of the country,

so maybe they want to travel, they want to explore, but they don't feel comfortable doing that alone… doing this kind of activity through FUA, it's a good chance also to break the ice and start feeling more comfortable,” says  Di Labbio.

 

Besides just the comfortability of having educated staff running the experience, the academic structuring of the tours is a major benefit for students. “Thanks to FUA leaders that will be with the group, and usually FUA instructors that manage the tours… students can join the experience in a different way from what they could do going there by themselves,” assures  Di Labbio.

 

Staff is typically chosen based on their relations to the specific destinations.  Di Labbio adds, “If a destination includes more artistic or art history topics, we select an art history instructor. If, on the other hand, it includes, for example, more culinary topics, we select one of our chefs or one of our Apicius members.” Apicius is a world-renowned culinary program offered through the university.

 

Students can find information about the destinations in program packets and learn about them when selecting specific classes with an EFL component. The program is also a great way for students to step outside of their comfort zone while studying abroad. In summer one-day excursions are offered, while the fall and spring offer weekend trips. Another wonderful thing about these trips is that they engage students with places that they may want to return to. Establishing comfort is an amazing thing that FUA does. The fun thing about the summer day trips is that they are shorter, and it is typically an easy place to travel to in a short amount of time. 

 

The trips are seamless and enjoyable, but take a tremendous amount of preparation and organization. Di Labbio added, “Most of my work is about logistics, so designing part of EFL is made by the academic office.” EFL works directly with the academic office to ensure that trips go according to plan. 

 

Di Labbio added that depending on the season, the trips may vary. For instance, “A walking tour during spring is much more bearable than in July,” says Di Labbio. This is a factor that goes into planning events and this attention to detail sets EFL apart from tourist oriented trips. A walking tour in Rome might go better in the fall and spring than it would in summer. The same goes for places that might be colder in winter and more bearable in spring or summer. These aspects can enlighten students on the Italian weather patterns as well, which can be beneficial if they decide to travel on their own. The EFL destination trips are valuable in a multifaceted way. 

 

To learn more about EFL and sign up for the next trip, visit the Student Life & Development Website today!

FLY Students Celebrate Creativity with Liberty Fabrics

To close out the Spring 2025 semester, FLY – Fashion Loves You hosted a fashion show in the stunning Sala Rosa Conference Room at Corso Tintori, 21, with Liberty Fabrics at the heart of its inspiration. The project began after a conversation with Odette Moncur, Liberty’s Creative Planning Manager, which led to the donation of a selection of Liberty’s fabrics to Florence University of the Arts (FUA). The various phases of the project were then supported throughout by Sara Sciosci, Liberty’s Trade Marketing Manager. The initiative showcases Liberty’s ongoing commitment to collaborating with universities and sharing its design expertise with emerging creatives.

 

Liberty Fabrics, founded in 1875 by Arthur Lasenby Liberty on Regent Street in London, has built its reputation on original prints, fine textiles, and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. From its iconic Tana Lawn™ cotton and luxurious silk to lightweight linen and innovative digital prints made in its Lake Como mill, Liberty’s collections draw on a 50,000‑strong archive of hand‑drawn artworks spanning the Arts and Crafts movement to contemporary collaborations. Celebrating its 150th anniversary, Liberty partnered with select universities, FUA among them, on a global project that gave rise to this semester’s fashion show.

 

By enrolling in FUA’s Fashion Show Production, Coordination, and Promotion course and participating in this semester's fashion show, study abroad student Natalie Berger gained firsthand insight into her future career path. She appreciated the show’s hands-on format, noting, “Everybody had very similar ideas, everybody was easy to work with and that just made life easier.” Berger helped manage styling, outfit selections, model pairings, studio photography, transitions, and even hair and makeup. 

 

Beyond Berger and her classmates’ involvement, the production drew on several specialist courses, such as students from Advanced Fashion Photography managing lighting, angles, and editorial framing of the event. Many classmates, friends, and family showed up to support, even including Liberty Fabrics VIPs, which raised the stakes.

 

Reflecting on the semester, Berger praised her professor, Cristina Ferro, for the insightful connections between the course and the final project. One of the biggest obstacles was coordinating models, considering the multiple schedules of the individuals involved such as fellow classmates. Still, the team came together to make it happen. The experience gave students real insight into being creative directors and producers in a professional setting.

 

Ferro considered the show an invaluable learning opportunity, noting her students grew into independent, responsible, and creative professionals and forged lasting connections: “It’s always very sad when we leave,” she shared, “but we still keep in touch.” For her, the experience was about more than fashion—it embodied growth, collaboration, and the enduring power of education. She was proud of how they managed transitions between Liberty Fabrics’ styles. As the fabrics returned to the archive, students carried with them an appreciation for textiles as storytelling canvases, demonstrating how Liberty’s 150‑year heritage continues to inspire fresh creativity in contemporary fashion.

FLY - Fashion Loves You Fashion Show: Coming Wednesday, May 7

This week, FLY - Fashion Loves You students will be hosting a fashion show to cap off the Spring semester. The fashion show will take place at Corso Tintori, 21, inside the Sala Rosa classroom on Wednesday, May 7 at 7:45 pm, in collaboration with Liberty Fabrics. Throughout the semester, FUA students have been deeply involved in developing the fashion show into a successful production. They have had opportunities to learn about management, practice the early stages of fashion production, and work their way up to the final touches, also known as the merchandising selection, which will ultimately be displayed. In sum, students have gained valuable merchandising skills they can showcase on their resumes.

 

While speaking with Christina Ferro, one of professors involved in the upcoming fashion show, she mentioned the importance of how fashion has changed over the years. She reflected on the beauty of past fashion eras but acknowledged how much has changed, noting that her students have helped her see this evolution. Ferro believes fashion has become more modern and inclusive, and she describes her students as hardworking and aware of their role in today’s industry. Also, Ferro stated how much she enjoys teaching fashion industry management classes. She is a stylist herself, but she doesn’t teach fashion as much as she helps students with marketing, management, and behind-the-scenes work. The intriguing thing is that the students are running the fashion show, with Ferro taking a very behind-the-scenes approach to the show.

 

Sitting in class, I learned that the upcoming fashion show will center on Liberty UK’s spirit of unique creativity, with students embracing a boho-jungle theme for their designs. I sat in class with show production and coordination, who are in charge of the behind-the-scenes, making sure the show goes according to plan. The main takeaway for Wednesday's upcoming fashion show, and all FUA events, is that professors guide the students, while students are then in charge of the show.

 

In addition to the show, FUA photography students will be in attendance for a full-blown photo shoot. This will give students a chance to orient themselves and orchestrate every detail in real-time, allowing for a multifaceted real-world environment. This includes anything from the selection of the back display to the model’s directives and assigned poses. A team of aspiring makeup artists is collaborating with the design students, and the experimentation will include bold color palettes and textural accents that complement each look. Additionally, the students will be tasked with styling skirts to complement their designs, sourcing pieces from both vintage markets and contemporary boutiques. Finding pieces that capture the boho-jungle aesthetic will be key. This fashion show involves many hands-on elements, and on Wednesday night, everything from makeup and hair to wardrobe choices will showcase the students' remarkable creativity and teamwork. Ferro said, “Having the designs and models ready would be difficult to have by the time the fashion rehearsal comes around, so working diligently is key.”

 

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to support your peers and experience firsthand the creativity and hard work that goes into every look. Join us on Wednesday, May 7, at 7:45 p.m. in Sala Rosa (Corso Tintori 21) to see the FLY students’ boho-jungle designs come to life. Whether you’re passionate about fashion, curious to see Liberty UK’s influence on the runway, or simply looking for an inspiring evening, this show promises something for everyone. Grab a friend, bring your enthusiasm, and be part of a celebration of style, innovation, and student talent—see you at the show!

New Program Location: La Spezia, Liguria

Florence University of the Arts is pleased to introduce its Cinque Terre & Riviera Program in La Spezia. Located on Italy’s northern coast, students study in a working port city surrounded by the Alps and Mediterranean. Nearby are the famous Cinque Terre villages and the “Gulf of Poets,” made famous by writers such as Shelley and Byron.

 

Academic Focus

Choose between a three-week term, a full semester or a two-city option that combines La Spezia and Florence. All courses are taught in English by Italian and international faculty. You can mix and match up to six classes in areas such as Mediterranean studies, marine and environmental sciences, engineering, business and supply chain, writing and fine arts, digital media and design, or hospitality and wine studies. Local internships are available to put classroom theory into practice.

Experiential Learning

• Hands on projects and internships at industry hubs or local design studios
• On-site advisors, wellness workshops and a 24 hour emergency line to support you outside the classroom

Location Highlights

La Spezia is Liguria’s regional hub, with easy train and bus connections. Florence is two hours away, Genoa 75 minutes, and Pisa’s airport is 45 minutes by train. The pedestrianized center is home to the Naval Museum, CAMeC contemporary art center, and lively piazzas. Ferries run daily to Cinque Terre and nearby islands.

Housing & Student Life

Options include shared apartments, dormitories or host-family stays. All students receive an orientation, counseling and access to FUA’s 24 hour hotline. Expect a coastal lifestyle with local markets, fresh seafood and a close-knit international community.

Ready to study where the mountains meet the sea? Visit the Cinque Terre & Riviera Program page or contact FUA Admissions for details on sessions, courses and how to apply.

 

Education and Field Engagement

FUA course meets grassroots orgs, immerses students in two real‐world sessions preventing gender violence, translating theory into impactful community action.

 

written by Costanza Gori — MeToo and Sexual Harassment Course Instructor

 

Bridging the gap between students and the local social landscape, and creating structured opportunities for dialogue between classroom and community—this is one of the core priorities of Florence University of the Arts (FUA), which places real-world engagement at the heart of its educational philosophy. Within this framework lies the interdisciplinary course #MeToo and Sexual Harassment, taught by Professor Costanza Gori in the Department of Psychology. As part of this course, the instructor has expanded the academic experience beyond the traditional classroom setting, organizing two mornings of immersive meetings with a variety of grassroots organizations—each committed to combating gender-based violence and challenging harmful stereotypes.

 

This expanded format reflects a clear intention: to offer students a broader, more multifaceted perspective by encouraging direct engagement with a diverse range of approaches, languages, and working methods. From this idea came two distinct encounters, thoughtfully designed as an integral part of the academic program.

 

The first meeting, held on March 26 at Spazio Co-Stanza, brought together three unique initiatives, each with its own methodology but united by a common goal: to make sex and relationship education a tool for awareness, critical thinking, and the promotion of both individual and collective well-being. This event provided students with the opportunity to explore contemporary, socially grounded approaches that translate complex content into educational practices that are both accessible and relevant to everyday life.

 

Re.Vulva is a collective founded in Prato in 2022, made up mostly of professionals in sexual health. It promotes a sex-positive, inclusive, and intersectional model of sex and relationship education through public events, training programs, and group reflection. Among its flagship activities are Comfort Zone, a program designed for parents and caregivers; a monthly Autocoscienza (self-awareness) group held on the first Thursday of every month; and a variety of educational events featuring guest speakers who address key aspects of sexual well-being. Re.Vulva actively collaborates with local associations, collectives, and institutions, building networks of shared care and community dialogue. One of its key goals is to raise awareness and promote access to the Internal Condom (Femidom)—a device still relatively unknown and difficult to obtain in Italy—which the collective distributes free of charge at its events.

 

La Clit – Coffee, Literature, Ispiration and (sex) Toys is a Florence-based project launched in 2024 by Francesca De Gaudio and Giulia Heuser, aimed at creating safe, informed spaces to talk about sexuality, pleasure, and well-being. The project operates on two fronts: hosting events and workshops with experts on various sexuality-related topics, and curating a selection of high-quality pleasure toys and sexual wellness products—chosen for their safety, sustainability, ethical sourcing, and alignment with queer values. Alongside its e-commerce platform, La Clit has launched a pop-up phase, with events hosted in local bookstores, cultural spaces, and cafés. The founders, who are also trained sexual educators, promote an inclusive and critical approach that challenges stereotypes and uplifts the value of the body, pleasure, and sexual health.

 

Italy Needs Sex Education is a nationwide campaign advocating for the introduction of mandatory sex and relationship education in Italian schools. Through a public petition and outreach initiatives, the project seeks to foster a more just, inclusive, and aware society by addressing topics such as gender-based violence prevention, STI awareness, and overall well-being. Founded by Flavia Restivo and supported by organizations like Rise Up and Futurevox, the campaign draws on a network of professionals to raise awareness and promote systemic change in Italian education.

The second event will take place on April 16 at Casa delle Donne di Firenze, where students will meet six local organizations actively working to combat gender-based violence and promote social justice. This is far more than a passive learning opportunity; it is a central part of the course structure, offering direct interaction with professionals and activists who confront complex realities daily using practical tools and interdisciplinary expertise. Though different in history, structure, and methodology, these organizations share a common goal: to carry out daily, grassroots work that combines action, support, and social transformation.

 

Informadonna is a service run by Informagiovani del Comune di Firenze, dedicated to supporting women of all ages and backgrounds. It provides personalized guidance on employment, education, and pathways to independence, with the goal of fostering professional reintegration, personal development, and empowerment. Twice a month, it hosts a Job Club, a peer support group for women seeking employment. The service also organizes events, workshops, and cultural initiatives in collaboration with local organizations, helping to build an active network around gender issues and promoting the sharing of rights, knowledge, and opportunities. It maintains a map of local services and helps direct users to relevant public and private resources.

 

La Mia Ostetrica APS was founded in Florence in 2010 to provide competent, continuous, and personalized support to women and families during the most transformative moments of life. In 2021, it became a Promozione Sociale (APS) association, reinforcing its commitment in the educational, social, and health sectors. Central to its mission is the Casa dei 1000 Giorni—a symbolic and functional space for welcoming, caring for, and supporting families during the child’s early years and the transition into parenthood. The initiative integrates midwifery, psychological, and educational expertise to provide coordinated support, listening, and education. The association offers tailored programs across every stage of a woman’s life, focusing on menstrual health, sexuality and natural contraception, menopause, reproductive health, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, and parenting. Special attention is given to the protection of birth rights and the prevention of obstetric violence, advocating for respectful, person-centered care. It is part of the Casa delle Donne di Firenze network, sharing its values and dedication to promoting rights, health, and well-being.

 

Resto Io is an association founded in Florence in 2019 with the goal of preventing and addressing gender-based violence, particularly psychological, domestic, physical, and economic abuse. It operates through an interdisciplinary team and promotes a culture of awareness through workshops, trainings, and outreach programs, mainly in schools of all levels but also for the general public, companies, and professionals. The association focuses on helping people develop a clear understanding of what violence is, so they can recognize and confront it. Particularly active in vocational and technical schools, Resto Io pays close attention to the cultural and relational dimensions of violence prevention. Since 2024, it has been part of the Casa delle Donne di Firenze network.

 

Azione Gay e Lesbica is one of Florence’s longest-running LGBTQIA+ organizations, active for over thirty years in promoting rights, quality of life, and the fight against gender-based violence and homolesbobitransphobic discrimination. The organization offers legal, psychological, and family mediation services, and runs educational and awareness programs in schools and throughout the community. It also manages one of Italy’s largest LGBTQI+ documentation centers and publishes materials focused on lesbian and feminist culture. A founding member of Toscana Pride, the organization has also been organizing Pride Park—a political and cultural community space—for over 25 years.

 

Nosotras Onlus is an intercultural association of Italian and migrant women active in Florence since 1998. It promotes women’s empowerment and gender and citizenship rights through listening services, shelters, training programs, and regional and international projects. It works to combat gender-based violence—including female genital mutilation and economic abuse—and is part of the national REAMA network. The organization is also active in anti-discrimination efforts, coordinating help desks and awareness campaigns against racism and intersecting forms of discrimination. It provides training for schools, healthcare professionals, social services, and law enforcement.

 

DonneXStrada is an association founded in 2021 with the mission of increasing safety in public spaces and restoring women’s right to move freely without fear. It operates through a nationwide network of psychologists, lawyers, and gynecologists, and created the Punti Viola initiative—businesses trained to welcome and assist people in distress. The association develops educational, training, and advocacy projects against gender-based violence and discrimination, working closely with public institutions. It also helped design Viola Walk Home, an app that enables users to be virtually accompanied in real time along routes considered potentially unsafe.

 

These two events are not just extracurricular additions; they are a fundamental expression of FUA’s teaching philosophy: a space where knowledge and lived experience intersect, where the classroom meets the city, and where students engage directly with those working every day to create social change.