Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This workshop was a wonderful balance between science/technology (interactive media) and art. I am an artist who has recently been making videos, and by participating in this workshop, I now feel that I am equipped with new and better information and resources to advance my work further. Art comes from a combination of varying perspectives, and inspiration/creativity comes in all forms, so I strongly feel that this program exposed me to as much stimulation possible in the two weeks technically, intellectually, socially, and psychologically. It was an amazing total experience. I felt the workload was very well-balanced between academics and cultural exploration, as this two-week workshop was designed to introduce us to technology (in the form of interactive media--RF technology, various computer software programs e.g. Arkaos and Google Sketch-Up) and art and the culture of the surrounding municipalities from small (Contigliano population 3,500) to medium (Rieti population 44,000) to large (Rome population 3.5 million). The academic information came in forms of lecture presentations by artists/interactive media-related professionals who shared with us their ideas, how they were conceived, and showed us different computer software available to us to accomplish the work. There were also guest speakers who enlightened us with the history/geography of where we were staying and how cultural artifacts were preserved. As the main goal of the workshop was to present to our host city with an interactive art piece using the technology we were learning and our relationship with the culture and geography of the area, the classroom talks were combined with many field trips with expert guides.

On-site administration of your program

The program went above and beyond all my expectations in the best possible way. It's very difficult to express with words. Honestly, as I had never been to Europe, I was very nervous and worried about everything from the language barrier to lodging to safety, just about everything imaginable, that I did not sleep for two days before leaving for Italy. But I definitely believe the program's strength comes from the organization, knowledge, and generosity of the program director Alessandro Marianantoni. As soon as I landed in Italy, Alessandro and his wife Valeria alleviated all my fears in regards to the logistics of my stay by being so accommodating and attentive. I felt the support was in all aspects from intellectual development to just day-to-day maneuvering in a country where I did not speak the language. As the workshop group was small, we all received intensive and personalized instruction. I really can't think of any weaknesses of the program. It is just a really strong program all around from the people in charge (Alessandro, Valeria) to the education I received both technically and culturally to meeting my workshop mates. I am so beyond being satisfied: the program is just an unbelievable experience!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was great! We stayed at a bed and breakfast in Contigliano that was a "hop, skip, and a jump away" from our classroom. It was very safe and just absolutely beautiful and picturesque, beyond anything that I could see in my best dream. Viviana and Roberto who ran the B & B were just wonderful! They made us feel right at home and we were even invited to Roberto's brother's 50th birthday party. They really treated us like we were family. I miss my toast, jam, cake and tea for breakfast that Viviana always prepared. In terms of nightlife, there isn't much, but for me it was a great positive aspect, as I was happy to be in such a tranquil and peaceful place to create and think and live for the duration of the workshop.

The food was absolutely amazing! I don't think I have ever eaten that well, EVER (sorry, mom). I had no dietary restrictions so that was not a problem. The quality of food was unbelievable, and it was so much food in the beginning that we had to get it scaled down a bit so we didn't waste so much.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This might be a long one. Definitely would give this one 10+ globes if I could. For me, the social and cultural experience overall was perhaps the best aspect about the program. Perhaps I am more excitable than most, as I have not traveled far very much, but after this experience, I realize that I need to get out more to see how other people live and interact with each other. It's just amazing. I pretty much wish I could be Italian after this. Early on in the workshop, we visited monasteries with the most colorful expert guide, Rita Giovannelli, who was a character and a half for her spunky personality and energy that she got into this heated debate with a local monk. Rita also took us on a tour of the Rieti Sotterranea, a whole underground world beneath the city where we created our interactive piece. For more data gathering, we went on a field trip to the Marmore waterfall, which was just spectacular and naturally amazing! It really reinforces the awesome power of nature from the size to the sound of the water. I think I have mentioned it above, but being invited to a local birthday party was just amazing because it really made me feel like family. Another great experience was when Alessandro's father provided us with a homemade feast of local delicacies. His father made the sausage, cured the meats, made these fresh spreads of anchovies, mushrooms, and truffles. I really felt that I was immersed in the culture. Alessandro, Valeria, and their parents and family really made us feel like we were part of their family. I think this whole workshop was a special event. I just love that I was able to see, hear, and talk (sort of) with the people from different places like Contigliano and Rieti, and also meeting artists from other parts of Italy and the participants from the U.S., was an enormous treat. LOVED IT!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Totally safe. Never felt threatened or scared.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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