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Prato for Fine/Visual Arts: General InformationLocationPrato is located twenty minutes by train from central Florence. It is famous for its textile industries which have been the source of the town's prosperity since the Middle Ages. The town has a medieval and renaissance historic centre, boasting a Cathedral built from the 13th to the 15th century; a 13th-14th century Town Hall, a 13th century fortress and medieval town walls. The Monash CentreMonash University has a centre in Prato, located in the 18th century Palazzo Vaj (pronunciation guide: rhymes with high). You can view images of the centre and Prato itself at: http://www.ita.monash.edu The facilities at the Palazzo Vaj are basic:
There are not facilities specifically for glass, ceramics, photography, or other studio work requiring specialist equipment. This does not preclude students from these disciplines participating in the program, however, as a generalist studio with broad 2 and 3 D application that serves the needs of all Fine Arts is conducted and there are other benefits to this experience. You should consult your studio coordinator to discuss whether participation is suitable for you. The semester program The program involves 24 credit points of units and comprises:
(these replace units you would enroll in normally and do not add to the length of your degree,) The program runs for 8 weeks. The first 2 weeks in Prato are devoted to the Theory unit. This is taught in the Monash Centre as well as "on-site" in Prato and locations nearby. It includes visits to galleries, museums and cities in and around Prato. It will include visits to towns such as Florence, Siena, Pisa, Lucca, Arezzo, and other locations in Tuscany. The remaining time is devoted to the Studio and elective units and teaching will be based at the Monash Centre. The half-semester program The program involves 12 credit points of units and comprises:
(these replace units you would enroll in normally and do not add to the length of your degree,) The mid year program will be 5 weeks long. The first 2 weeks in are devoted to the Theory unit. This is taught in the Monash Centre as well as "on-site" in Prato and other locations nearby. It will include a 3-4 visit to Venice for the Biennale. The remaining time is devoted to the Drawing unit and teaching will be based at the Monash Centre. Teaching The programs are taught by Monash lecturers, one from the Department of Theory of Art and Design and one from the Department of Fine Arts. The programs are taught entirely in English but we strongly recommend that you do a course in Italian language prior to departure. An Italian Studies program is offered at the Caulfield Campus. Courses are also available at the Centre for Italian Studies in Carlton, at the Council for Adult Education in the City, as well as other private schools. Independent travel There will be will be free days timetabled into the program when you may travel within Italy. Number of places available Places will be available for between 22 and 24 students (including 2 postgraduates) (subject to confirmation) Selection criteria The selection criteria may include the following:
Costs Costs vary from year to year and are dependant on which program and option are undertaken. In 2008, costs ranged from $5,500 - 6,500. The Prato program is arranged by Monash and Australians Studying Abroad as a package and inclusion in the program is dependant on acceptance of these travel and accommodation arrangements. Other participants The Prato Semester Program is an academic program for students enrolled in the Faculty of Art and Design at Monash University. In special circumstances students can make arrangements for other participants however in these cases students enrolled in the program receive preference in accommodation. It is not possible for other non-student participants to join the on-site lectures and activities held in the first two weeks of the programs. Accommodation Half semester program Accommodation is the 3 star Hotel Flora in the centre of town; two minutes walk from the Palazzo Vaj. There are also a limited number of apartments available. These are small and have basic cooking facilities but do not have telephones. They are also in the historic centre of town and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis and at the discretion of Australians Studying Abroad. Semester program Travel Grants and OS-HELP Loans Most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students doing either program will receive a Monash Abroad travel grant. In 2008 the amount of the grant will be based on the following sliding scale:
Eligible students doing the Design in Prato program will therefore receive $500 and students doing the Fine Arts in Prato program will receive $2500, provided they complete 18-24 credit points. Full details of the travel grants, including the eligibility criteria, can be found on the Monash Abroad website. All students must complete a Monash Abroad application form, whether or not you are eligible for a travel grant, and the forms are available from the course coordinators. Undergraduate, Commonwealth Supported students who are Australian citizens may also be eligible for an OS-HELP loan of up to $5,299. This will be added to your HECS or HELP debt and be subject to repayment terms as the rest of the debt. Full details and an application form can be found on the Monash Abroad website. A deposit is payable on initial booking and the whole program cost is payable 75 days prior to departure. (This may be subject to change - firm details will be supplied as soon as they are available). All accommodation and flight arrangements are organised by the travel agent and cultural tours company, Australians Studying Abroad. They also handle all travel-related queries and can arrange your individual travel plans for after the conclusion of the program. The program cost is separate to university fees which you are still liable for. If you are on Austudy a letter can be provided which will ensure that you are continued to be paid this while you are in Prato. NB: All information correct at 26 August 2008 but may be subject to change |
