Department of Fine Arts

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, Assisi, and San Gimignano 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 study abroad program between Brandeis University and the Siena Art Institute.

Yes, the program runs from early July to mid-August. 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.

Brandeis in Siena is overseen by Brandeis faculty and a member of the Fine Arts faculty acts as Faculty Director each summer, teaching one course while the other is taught by a colleague from the Siena Art Institute. Siena Art Institute faculty are offered courtesy appointments at Brandeis for the duration of the program and all courses are offered for Brandeis credit, not transfer credit. The courses have been reviewed and approved by the Brandeis Creative Arts Council to appear in the University Bulletin and count for credit at Brandeis.

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