October 22, 2007
Lyon College News Bureau

Lyon College students interested in theatre, art, vocal arts and dance now have access to an innovative new study abroad program in one of Italy’s most beautiful and historic cities.

On. Oct. 17, Lyon entered into an agreement with the Accademia dell'Arte, a new study abroad program located within the grounds of the Villa Godiola, the Accademia's permanent home on a promontory overlooking the walled city of Arezzo.

Accademia dell'Arte has quickly gained a notable reputation from both participants and collaborators in the world of performing arts.

As a program unique in Europe, it’s dedicated to providing experiences for students studying theatre, art, vocal arts and dance who wish to extend their horizons with an intensive period of training and performing in Italy.

“Lyon College is proud to add the exceptional programs offered by the Accademia dell’Arte to the study abroad opportunities offered its students,” said John Peek, Lyon College vice president of Academic Services and dean of the faculty. “These programs add new and complementary elements to the excellent programs in the fine arts offered on the Lyon campus.”

The Accademia has designed a program that offers university and college students of the performing and visual arts, both undergraduate and post-graduate, the chance to experience the Italian culture while gaining insight and experience in the world of European performing and visual arts.

Practicing artists and teachers who understand that learning is a collaborative effort engage students who come to study. To this end, the Accademia is genuinely an artistic collective in which the student will enter into a community with ongoing artistic activities nourished through close collaboration.

Every student at the Accademia, in addition to regular studies in the liberal arts and performing and visual arts, will have exceptional performance opportunities organized by the school.

Student visits to the elegant opera houses, churches and historic piazzas of the region provide further occasions for performance on some of the programs.

For more information on these programs, contact the Nichols International Studies Program at Lyon College, (870) 612-6474.

Accademia dell'Arte, near Arezzo, Italy