CESMA’s Art Conservation program transforms art enthusiasts into professional conservationists and restoration technicians.  The program leverages state of the art laboratories using the latest techniques on original artwork from its network of cultural contacts throughout Italy.  Our students have the unique opportunity to perform hands on work with precious art coming from major museums and institutions.

The program is multi-subject and mainly practical.  All students must complete the full cycle of materials training (painting, fresco, ceramic, stone, etc.) in the restoration lab exercises to qualify for graduation.  Each student then specializes in their material of choice in targeted lab activity, field work, the internship and the final research project.

Degree
The program is accredited and financed by the European Social Fund, the Italian Government, the Italian Ministry of Culture, and the Piemonte Regional Government.  Upon completion of all coursework, internship requirements, the final exam, and the final research project, the program awards a Specialization Degree which is legally recognized throughout the European Union¹.  The degree holder, as recognized by the Ministry of Education and by the Ministry of Welfare, is certified to be self-employed under the title of Associate Restorer.  After two years of formal job training, the title can be upgraded to full “Restorer”.

Syllabus

Professors
All of the professors in the program are restorers and field professionals from the best companies and institutions throughout Italy. 

Admission criteria
All students need an undergraduate degree or greater. No previous knowledge of the subject is required, however, students should be comfortable working with their hands.  Each student must complete a written test and an interview to qualify for admission. 

Location and Duration
Cuorgnè, Torino, Italy.  Address: via Ivrea, 71 – 10082 Cuorgnè (To).  The course lasts 11 months, from October to September, and includes 1200 hours of formal education along with 100 hours of extra-curricular activity. Lessons take place Monday to Friday in the morning and the afternoon.

Internship
Internships are an essential part of the program.  After studying and working in classrooms, labs and the field, students have the opportunity to measure themselves and their knowledge in a real job environment for two months. Directed and coordinated by a tutor, the internship experience can be performed in labs or worksites of private companies, museums or institutions.  Some examples of internships sites:

• Fresco restoration lab of Pompeii
• Archaeological Museums of Naples & Torino
• The Vatican Museums
• The National Archives in Torino
• Torino Royal Palace

Final Exam
The final exam consists of a written test, hands-on work and an interview. Students must also prove the knowledge acquired by presenting a portfolio where they show, with both graphic representatios or drawings and photographs, their best works carried out during the period of their course. They must also present personal research performed on the job during their internship.

¹  The course is recognized by the Italian Government according to the National Law n. 845 of 21st December 1978.