The Cologni Foundation for the Métiers d’Art is a private non-profit organisation established in Milan by Franco Cologni, its President, in 1995.
The Cologni Foundation’s founding purpose is to accomplish a “new Renaissance” of the artistic crafts and rescue the métiers d’art from the threat of extinction. Its initiatives are chiefly addressed to the young and to the training of the next generations of artisans. The Cologni Foundation promotes, supports and carries out a number of cultural, scientific and educational programmes.
In the book series “Mestieri d’Arte” (Métiers d’Art) and “Ricerche” (Researches), published by Marsilio Editori, the Cologni Foundation retraces the history of highly specialised crafts and skills, investigating the great heritage of Italian traditional knowhow as well as the new interpretations of contemporary craftsmanship.
The children’s book series “Storietalentuose” (Stories of talent), published by Carthusia, introduces young readers to the fascinating world of Italian artistic crafts.
The magazine “Mestieri d’Arte & Design. Crafts Culture” is dedicated to Italy’s craftsmanship of excellence and to the “intelligence of the hand”, which is perpetuated by artistic crafts both in Italy and in the world.
Through the apprenticeship programmes of the project “A School, a Job. Training to Excellence”, the Cologni Foundation actively supports the training of young people in high craftsmanship and their introduction into the working world.
The Cologni Foundation is also involved in many initiatives with prominent schools and higher education institutions: in Milan with Università Bocconi, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Polytechnic University, Creative Academy, Domus Academy; in Paris with EDC.
The Cologni Foundation cooperates with many international foundations and organisations, among which the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship and the INMA, Institut National des Métiers d’Art. The Foundation is also partner in the international network of the “Journées Européennes des Métiers d’Art” (European Artistic Crafts Days).
