Meet Our Partners: An Interview with Luca Belotti from NABA- Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti
Welcome Dearest Readers to our “Meet Our Partners” series, where we delve into the stories and insights of our esteemed collaborators.
It is my pleasure to introduce a distinguished figure from Italy who plays a pivotal role in the realm of fashion education, Luca Belotti. Luca is the Program Leader of the postgraduate fashion design areas at NABA- Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti in Milan. He specifically heads the University Master in Business Law for the Fashion System, a collaborative program with Uninettuno University.
Tell Us About NABA- Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti
NABA- Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, is Italy’s foremost academic institution for Fine Arts, it has two campuses: 40years old historic one in Milan, and a newer campus in Rome, established five years ago. When asked about NABA’s mission, vision, and goals, Luca emphasizes three core principles: “learning by thinking, learning by doing, and teaching by learning.” These principles capture NABA’s innovative approach to education, fostering a dynamic and practical learning environment.
The Master’s Programme in Business Law for the Fashion System
The Master’s programme in Business Law for the Fashion System aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal and business aspects of the fashion industry. The curriculum addresses traditional textile and fashion systems with a special focus on sustainability, responsibility, and the future of AI technologies and digital communication in fashion. Luca emphasizes that the goal is to foster a new way of thinking about the intersection of law and fashion, preparing students for the evolving challenges of the industry.
The Vision Behind the Partnership with Uninettuno
The collaboration between NABA and Uninettuno University is driven by market needs. Luca explains that the fashion industry, along with law firms, sought professionals who could bridge the gap between design and administrative, legal, and commercial departments. The partnership aims to produce graduates skilled at facilitating this crucial communication, addressing a unique niche in the industry.
What is the Objectives of the Partnership
The partnership, established in 2023, is relatively new but has already seen significant progress. Luca notes that they are now welcoming students for the third intake of the program. The primary objective of this collaboration is to merge NABA’s project-based academic approach with Uninettuno’s expertise in online education, creating a unique and comprehensive learning experience.
Distinguishing Features of the NABA-Uninettuno Collaboration
While NABA maintains numerous partnerships with universities worldwide, including strong connections in Asia, Latin America, and Turkey, the collaboration with Uninettuno stands out. This partnership uniquely combines NABA’s hands-on, project-oriented education with Uninettuno’s advanced online delivery system. This collaboration has positively impacted NABA’s academic offerings. Luca highlights that NABA is now one of the few fine arts academies offering a program that intersects applied arts and the legal system. This innovative program broadens the scope of NABA’s curriculum, providing students with flexible yet multidisciplinary educational experience that is highly relevant to the fashion and legal industries.
Student Benefits and Successes
Students have responded positively to the collaboration, enjoying the opportunity to learn from professors at both NABA and Uninettuno. This dual perspective offers a well-rounded education, exposing students to contemporary insights from professionals actively working in the fashion and legal fields. Additionally, NABA involves alumni in various activities, including exhibitions, trade shows, and their fashion shows in Florence and Rome. These experiences provide students with practical exposure and networking opportunities, enhancing their educational journey.
Who Can Apply For This Program?
The program is designed to be inclusive, welcoming students from various academic backgrounds. Whether coming from applied arts such as fashion design, design, or graphic design, or from fields like politics, economics, or law, students can find value in this program. Luca notes that the program aims to dive deep into the specifics of fashion legal issues, making it accessible and beneficial to a diverse student body.
Advice for Prospective Students
Luca offers valuable advice for those considering the Master’s programme: maintain an open mind, be smart, and be ready for new challenges. He emphasizes that the program is designed not just to impart knowledge, but to prepare students to provide answers to future industry questions. This forward-thinking approach encourages students to be proactive and innovative in their studies and future careers.
Future of the Partnership
Looking ahead, Luca is optimistic about the evolution of the partnership. He anticipates that the collaboration will continue to grow, adapting to new challenges and developments in the fashion system. This ongoing evolution will ensure that the program remains relevant and impactful, preparing students for the future of the industry. When asked about his experience working with Uninettuno, Luca describes it as “exciting.” This single word expresses the dynamic and fruitful nature of the collaboration, highlighting the positive impact it has had on both institutions.
The partnership between NABA- Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti and Uninettuno University represents a significant step forward in fashion education. By combining project-based learning with advanced online delivery, this collaboration offers a unique and comprehensive program that prepares students for the multifaceted demands of the fashion and legal industries. Luca Belotti’s insights and experiences underscore the value and potential of this partnership, promising exciting developments in the years to come.
