Bottega Veneta is strengthening its commitment to craftsmanship with the opening of Accademia Labor et Ingenium, a new school that will foster a new generation of artisan talent. “The Labor et Ingenium Academy is an important strategic pillar of preserving Bottega Veneta’s unique know-how,” said Leo Rongone, CEO of Bottega Veneta.
Launched in October, the ‘Accademia Labor et Ingenium’ will serve as a permanent workshop where students can learn from master craftsmen through educational activities, workshops and courses. Bottega Veneta has once again proven Accademia Labor and Ingenium’s commitment to craftsmanship and the intergenerational transmission of skills. In this permanent workshop, employees, new hires and external students will be able to learn through theoretical and practical lessons from master craftsmen, including Negretto, the oldest in the house.
The training program, which will be attended by 50 students per year and all of whom are guaranteed to find employment at Bottega Veneta at the end of the course, will be managed by a community of five master craftsmen, which will be supported by Accademia Labor and Ingenium, as well as skills development and reskilling programs for existing Bottega Veneta employees. Collaborations were made with regional partners to promote the creativity and dynamism of the region and to convey its heritage.
The courses at Accademia Labor and Ingenium started with a seven-week masterclass specially prepared in partnership with the Università di Venezia. ‘Training course on the artisan creative process, bag design and product development’. This program includes prototyping and manufacturing different bag shapes and finishes, as well as an overview of the luxury industry and the development of communication skills.
Founded in Vicenza, Italy in 1966, Bottega Veneta is a unique link to the founding principles of Labor et Ingenium stands for craft and creativity. It will provide upskilling and reskilling curricula for existing Bottega Veneta employees to convey the Made in Italy heritage, alongside the collective awareness design thinking skills that have defined the company since its founding.
“The Labor et Ingenium Academy is an important strategic pillar of preserving Bottega Veneta’s unique know-how,” said Leo Rongone, CEO of Bottega Veneta. “Extraordinary craftsmanship and creativity are indispensable to our brand and the heritage of our home region, Veneto.”
