The Cortona effect: the dual impact of Italy on personal enrichment and professional growth
Cortona, the Italian picturesque experience from The Creative School, has completed its fifth successful year. With the theme of transformation, students across various programs at The Creative School embark on a journey across the Atlantic Ocean every summer to experience a new culture while simultaneously expanding their creative and personal horizons. Cortona tailors distinct journeys for each and every student who sets out on the adventure.
Students from The Creative School tour the cobblestone streets of Cortona led by a local guide. Image courtesy of Aryaan Kanji.
Where Inspiration Strikes
Art, in all of its forms, is greatly important to the people of Cortona. But in recent years, the hilltop Tuscan town has evolved into a lush hub for innovators, creators and artists, where all types of creativity are both welcomed and adored.
“Cortona values art unlike any other,” says Aryaan Kanji, a Media Production student at The Creative School. “There are many art galleries hosted by active artists living in the town, there are ceramics workshops, pottery workshops, museums, music conservatories, fashion and painters everywhere.”
Cortona artist paints with open doors in the town square for everyone to enjoy. Image courtesy of Melissa Vanoirschot.
In Cortona's town square, an Italian musician strums the guitar and serenades with song. Image courtesy of Melissa Vanoirschot.
Surrounded by beautiful views, standout creative personalities, and a town full of rich history, inspiration comes from all over. The Cortona experience allows students to blend the unknown with their known. Applying their familiar knowledge to their unfamiliar circumstance allows one to forge personal philosophies, and expands creativity beyond its routine limits.
Fortress of Girifalco, a large 5th century BC fortress overlooking and encompassing the town of Cortona. Image courtesy of Lauren Chan.
Creative School students touring the Fortress of Girifalco, at a lookout point called Bastion of S. Margherita. Image courtesy of Tory Hutchings.
The experience also encourages students to undertake their own creative projects and put their learned skills into practice for their final assignments.
“For my final project, we hiked to the top of the hill to the Fortress of Girifalco, and in it there's like a lookout point that oversees all of Tuscany. Just under that is this beautiful piece of just plain grass where soldiers used to stand back in the day,” reminisced Kanji. “In that section of grass, I happen to do an interpretive dance, while being filmed from the top lookout point of the fortress. It represents that no matter how high you go, there's always something looking back down on you.”
A student from The Creative School sitting atop of Fortress of Girifalco lookout point admiring the Tuscan sunset.
Image courtesy of Aryaan Kanji.
Growing Gains
International experiences encourage profound personal development as travelling alone, living out of your suitcase, and escaping your ordinary comfort zone is a deeply enriching experience. Students are urged to face fears directly and resolve complex internal battles using hardships as learning tools for personal growth.
“I never thought in a million years this would be something I could do as I had never travelled alone before and thought it would be too overwhelming,” said Stefania Casale, a Professional Communication student at The Creative School. “However, it was 100% worth it, I came out of this trip more confident, knowledgeable and comfortable with myself.”
Students also become their own teachers by examining themselves, their techniques and their viewpoints, ultimately to create better ones.
Creative School student looking out the window of St. Augustino Convention Centre, in Cortona where classes are held.
Image courtesy of Tory Hutchings.
“My entire view on my creative process has completely changed,” said Kanji. “It really opened my eyes to how you can combine different mediums, and take risks. Now I have so many ideas going forward about how I can transform my creative process, lose the structure a little bit and be a little more free.”
After a long day of touring Cortona, students enjoy a cup (or cone!) of Gelato. Image courtesy of Tory Hutchings.
Creative School students socialise and enjoy a fun night out in Cortona. Image courtesy of Stefania Casale.
Joseph Medaglia, academic lead for the Cortona offering who teaches FCD558: Introduction to Design Thinking locally, encourages inward perspective shifts by assigning thought- provoking assignments. Students are inspired to experiment by utilising tools they are familiar with alongside ones they are using for the first time. Students learn to apply big picture ideas to their designs by introducing wicked problems into their creations and experimenting with new forms of artistic expression and meaning.
Creative School students in a lecture held by Joseph Medaglia, in his class FCD558: Intro to Design Thinking.
Image courtesy of Tory Hutchings.
Cortona is Calling
Cortona, like most international opportunities, has unique benefits that remove students from their regular routines, and find creativity in new places, opening their minds up to new ways to create and new perspectives to apply to artistic works.
Creative School student exploring the streets of Cortona. Image courtesy of Melissa Vanoirschot.
Creative School student resting in a small Cortona art gallery. Image courtesy of Melissa Vanoirschot.
Enrich yourself in Italy's expansive history, bask in the Tuscan sunlight, and explore facets of culture that align with your passions. A world of art, passion and self-discovery waiting to be explored.
The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University
The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.