Range of Short Art Courses in Florence

Centro Koinè:
Koinè, named after a Greek word meaning “common language”, is a special kind of school set up in 1980 as an association of teachers, all with personal and professional experience in the area of teaching Italian as a foreign language. These teachers decided to create a new type of organization which would differ from other private schools in its style of working and teaching methods. Today Koinè has developed teaching materials, books, and audiovisual tools, whilst also organizing seminars and teacher orientation courses. All of our teachers are specifically trained in these didactic methods. The lessons are not limited purely to language teaching, but completed by a series of introductory courses and guided visits to show our country’s landmarks. Koinè has expanded over time from its main school in Florence, with schools in Lucca, Cortona, Rio Marina on the Island of Elba and Bologna, the capital city of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy.

The Koinè Center offers a wide range of courses in Italian language and culture to cater for all levels and interests. Art Classes offered by the Koinè Center include:

Painting and Drawing Courses
Painting and drawing lessons with different techniques are offered for a period of 2, 3 or 4 weeks for beginners and advanced. The course is held in Italian and on request also in English language. At the end of a 4 week course each participant will have completed a personal portfolio with his works. On request 1 hour of History of Art lesson can be offered at the beginning of every session.


Photography
This course focussing on black-and-white photography offers the opportunity to combine a fun activity with artistic expression in the old town center of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The course is conducted in Italian and English, and is aimed at people with or without experience in photography. you will learn to use photographic techniques to create personal images that you will develop in the laboratory. The aim is to combine the craftsperson's "technique" with the creativity of the individual participants. At the end of the course, each student will prepare a personal photographic work of his stay in Florence. The emphasis is on black-and-white photography but colour is also used.  Courses of digital photography as well as fashion & glamour and photoreportages on request.


Language, Art and Archaeology
This course offers special insight into the artistic and archaeological aspects of Italian culture. The two-week course integrates visits to artistic sites and monuments, historical centers and archaeological sites with language lessons. Students learn to express cultural contents, aesthetic forms, social functions and symbolic representation found in art in the most appropriate language. Learn Italian while enjoying the Italian way of life, perfectly integrating culture, tradition and natural environment.


Gold Silver and Language
1, 2 or 3 month Goldsmithery workshop in via Romana, focussing on practical experience, design, wax, embossing, engraving. The course is open to both beginners and to those with goldsmithery experience. The programme is based on practical experience and on manual skills and can be followed with or without language lessons.


Ancient books restoration and Italian language
1, 2 or 3 month bottega program in a workshop in via del Pavone focussing on the history and restoration of paper, techniques and book restoration, leather and parchment restoration techniques. Individual assistance. The program is based on practical experience and on manual skills and can be followed with or without language lessons.