Discovering treasures of the art world with John Hall Venice broadens minds, boosts CVs and offers the joy of learning for its own sake
Gap year journeys are harder to fund and justify these days, especially since so much of the world is no longer off the beaten track or unsullied by tourism. No wonder some students decide to take a different tack and embark on voyage of discovery of a different kind with John Hall Venice.
The company was founded in 1965 (when going abroad was much more arduous) to give young people taking a gap year a mind-broadening arts experience before they started university. Rather like the Grand Tour of the 18th and 19th centuries, it centred on the artistic and cultural treasures of Italy.
Today, the programme covers pretty much the same tried and trusted ground, while continuing its tradition of delivering eye-opening content. It consists of a week in London, six weeks in Venice, a week in Florence and a week in Rome. For participants, the heart of the experience is Venice, a city they spend enough time in to feel more like residents than tourists – it becomes a real cultural immersion. “Not only are you living in one of the most beautiful cities on earth, but you will look at the world slightly differently after having done it,” says Eliza, a recent alumna. “It was so liberating to learn for the joy of it.”
The programme spans painting, sculpture, architecture, music, world cinema, literature and global issues, all delivered by experts. There are practical classes in studio life drawing and portraiture, as well as classes in photography, Italian language and cookery. Around 3,000 students have attended the course over the years – second and now third generation students are now signing up, proof of the profound impact it had on their parents and grandparents.
One of the best things about the John Hall Venice course is the number of ‘privileged’ access visits, arranged thanks to inside contacts. These might typically include a tour of Venice’s San Marco by night, and the Vatican – including the Sistine Chapel. Talks by passionate and knowledgeable specialists, including curators, opera directors, conductors, composers and art historians, add extra-level insights. These are designed to build understanding and a love of the arts – and open eyes and minds. “We were exposed to a grand scope of artistic expression. The lectures themselves touch upon Venetian art, contemporary art, film, opera, classical music, philosophy, poetry… the list could go on,” says alumnus Hamish.
Lecturers and speakers joining John Hall Venice Faculty on a regular basis speak volumes about the depth and range. From journalist and art critic Louisa Buck to architect Andrew Tyley, art historian and curator Dr Claudia Tobin and Renaissance specialist and University of Leicester Emeritus Professor of Art History and Film History David Ekserdjian, it’s a weighty list.
Cultural insights are unforgettable, but the experience of getting to know three of Italy’s great cities – Florence, Rome and Venice – remains equally memorable. “We meandered around the cities with ice-creams or hot chocolates in hand, getting to know the back streets and canals of Italy like any local. It was such a treat having countless wonders on your doorstep,” adds Hamish. “It was beyond a privilege to spend that time falling in love with Italy.”
The programme also fosters strong friendships among people with a shared interest – and gives exposure to university-level perspectives. All this is hugely helpful in building a CV – purposeful travel to study does sound better than a month on the beach in Bali. This benefits any student preparing for a Fine Art or History of Art degree, of course, but it’s brilliant for potential historians, musicians, architects, engineers and scientists, too. Intellectual curiosity and interests beyond your specialist knowledge are always valued by universities and employers.
This year marks the Diamond Jubilee of the John Hall Venice programme and its website houses a fascinating photo archive of previous courses, dating right back to those 1960s pioneers. For sure, travel is much easier today – with cheap and plentiful flights bringing Europe within everyone’s range – but going in Grand Tour style to explore Italy’s cultural treasures remains just as enriching an adventure as ever it was.
* For more about the John Hall Venice Gap Year nine-week residential programme, visit johnhallvenice.com
Further reading: Ocean passport with UKSA training
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