by Marta Jovanović
RUFA Coordinator of the Department of Visual Arts.
The RUFA Master’s programme in Performance Art is not merely an academic path, but a dynamic laboratory that looks to the future of the discipline, preparing students to become key players in an ever-evolving international cultural landscape.
Our approach to teaching and research is rooted in experimentation, innovation, and ongoing dialogue with international art institutions. We offer students a unique educational experience that goes beyond academic boundaries and responds to the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.
Since 2021, the Visual Arts Department, which I have the honour of coordinating, has annually hosted the RUFA Festival Performance Cluster. The 2025 edition will take place at the MAXXI Museum in Rome and will feature a collaboration with professor Elise Morrison and Yale University, marking the department’s first structured partnership with a U.S. institution.
Performative actions by RUFA students, presented at the MAXXI Museum in Rome.
A significant example of this international openness is our collaboration with the BAX – Brooklyn Art Exchange, and in particular with the EMERGENYC programme, which offers students tangible opportunities to perform and connect with artists and peers from around the world.
RUFA is indeed one of the few academies to have established a comprehensive programme dedicated to performance art, characterised by a strong connection to the international scene. This is confirmed by the many projects, collaborations, and the consistent participation of our students in major global events.
The performance “0 to 0 ∞” by RUFA artist Vanshika Agrawal, presented at AAIE – Center for Contemporary Art.
Our students have had the opportunity to perform in prestigious contexts such as the Venice International Performance Art Week and the Venice Biennale, bringing their research to the international stage and engaging with a network of artists, curators, and art enthusiasts from around the world.
Performance by Claudia Evangelista, RUFA student, as part of the Venice Biennale.
In addition to hands-on field experiences, students benefit from the teaching of internationally renowned artists and professors, such as Rä di Martino and Silvia Giambrone, whose expertise enriches the academic path and contributes to building a cutting-edge curriculum.
The focus on experimentation, inclusion, and feminism is also reflected in the work of visiting artists and faculty, who bring fresh perspectives to a constantly evolving field. In this spirit, we are committed to developing a truly inclusive education, embracing all gender identities, cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, ages, and disabilities. Our school is a place where diversity is valued, fostering a creative and welcoming environment for everyone.
This academic year marked the introduction of PerformanceBox, a five-day initiative featuring performances by second-year Master’s students. PerformanceBox offers a moment of growth, exchange, and visibility, allowing students to explore their artistic research and present it to a live audience. In parallel, PERFORMIFICIO — a digital platform created by the students themselves — has become a key reference for documenting and promoting performance art, offering an online showcase dedicated to the field.
The performance “Weaving Roots” by Arifah Binti Ashri, Sofia Arredondo and Julia Vasconcelos, presented as part of the PerformanceBox event at RUFA Space – Pastificio Cerere.
At the heart of these initiatives is our venue at Pastificio Cerere, one of the most important contemporary art spaces in Rome. This connection allows us to collaborate with other relevant spaces and galleries such as MAJA Arte Contemporanea, which supports and promotes student performances. Moreover, the synergy with ECC Performance Art has led to numerous projects featuring our students in international events.
A series of student performances presented at RUFA Space – Pastificio Cerere.
Over the years, our programme has welcomed artists and curators who have opened new perspectives on performance art. Artists like Ragnar Kjartansson, with his work on duration and repetition in performance, have inspired students to explore new expressive possibilities. Similarly, curator Paola Ugolini has enriched the programme with insights into the role of women in performance art and the deep connection between art and activism, encouraging critical reflections that connect art with today’s social challenges.
The PAV – Performance for Video platform has also given students the opportunity to document and share their work in an international context, extending the visibility of their performances to a global audience.
Our programme goes beyond traditional teaching, embracing a complex and inclusive vision of art. Participation in international events, dialogue with innovative art spaces, and the development of digital platforms testify to the department’s commitment to experimentation, international networking, and continuous growth. In this context, RUFA affirms itself as a centre of excellence in teaching, research, and artistic production, offering one of the most advanced and ambitious performance art programmes in Europe.
