The Creative School Cortona Campus wraps another transformative summer in Italy
Cortona 2025 students at the Fortress of Girifalco in Cortona, Italy. Photo courtesy of Nia Lobban and Renee Luces.
This summer, more than 80 students from across The Creative School travelled to Tuscany, Italy, for Cortona 2025, an immersive international learning experience that brings together creativity, culture, and collaboration. Over three weeks, students worked in a transdisciplinary environment where the history and artistry of the city became part of the classroom.
The program featured two courses: Topics in Communication and Design (opens in new window) (FCD 230) and Introduction to Design Thinking (opens in new window) (FCD 558). Led by Professors Kathleen Pirrie-Adams (New Media) and Tanya White (Fashion), the courses invited students to engage with Cortona’s cultural heritage, applying design thinking to real-world, site-specific challenges through collaborative international projects. Field trips to Orvieto and Siena played a central role in deepening student engagement in the region’s culture.
Now in its sixth year, the Cortona program continues to strengthen The Creative School’s international presence and offer students the chance to apply their skills in a global context. “Cortona embodies experiential learning: immersive, collaborative, and transformative,” says Sadia Kamran, Associate Director, Communications and International Development. “Students leave with a deeper understanding of culture and collaboration, along with perspectives that prepare them to contribute meaningfully to the creative industries worldwide.”
Garment created by a student in the Fortezza Atellier section taught by Tanya White, using embroidery, crochet, and textiles in Cortona, Italy. Photo courtesy of Nia Lobban and Renee Luces.
A student installation featuring garments, accessories, and props inspired by Cortona, Italy. Photo courtesy of Nia Lobban and Renee Luces.
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.