Department of Fine Arts

2020 marked the first summer since the program's creation that Brandeis in Siena was unable to run due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Siena remains ready to play host to the program once again. Although much about the future remains uncertain, Brandeis in Siena is moving forward with planning to return in summer 2021. Students interested in planning for a future summer abroad are encouraged to contact Ari Massefski for more information and to discuss any concerns they or their families may have. If changes have to be made in light of the progression of the pandemic, these changes will be communicated efficiently and effectively to all program applicants.

Brandeis' first and only arts-focused study abroad program is located in the historic medieval city of Siena, Italy. Siena is a city rich in artistic masterpieces and complex social structures. The city itself is a jewel of preservation in Europe and is surrounded by a dynamic and thriving landscape filled with ongoing agricultural production.

Siena as a location for studying art and art history is extraordinary for its contributions to art of the early Renaissance. Students will be able to study and create art in response to original master works from the Italian Renaissance. Close proximity to the artistic centers of Florence and Pisa provide additional resources for study and creative inspiration and make Siena an ideal central location.

Brandeis in Siena is a studio art and art history program in Siena, Italy. This intensive summer program will promote artistic development, appreciation, and cultural understanding in the unique setting of the historic city of Siena. The program consists of two courses taught in English comprised of one studio art course and one art history course and is a collaborative exchange program between Brandeis University and the Siena Art Institute/Siena School of the Liberal Arts programs.

Yes, the program runs from early July to mid-August. There are pre-departure orientations in the spring semester prior to the summer of study. Students wishing to go to Siena during the academic year should meet with a member of the study abroad staff for other options.

The application deadline typically occurs in mid-March, but interested students are encouraged to apply early. Applications are reviewed up until the deadline as long as space is available.

The program is designed and supervised by Brandeis faculty. A Brandeis professor will teach one of the courses and an instructor from the Siena Art Institute will teach the other course. Studio and art history courses alternate yearly between Brandeis faculty and Siena Art Institute faculty. Every summer there is a Brandeis faculty member teaching on site for the duration of the program, teaching one of the two courses.

Both courses are Brandeis courses and appear on transcripts as graded Brandeis coursework, not transfer credit.

This website has complete information about study in Siena. Please also feel free to contact:

• Professor Joseph Wardwell in the Department of Fine Arts

• Professor Jonathan Unglaub in the Department of Fine Arts

• Ari Massefski in the Office of Study Abroad

• Anya Shire-Plumb, Brandeis in Siena 2019