BOTTEGA VENETA Holds Symposium with Students Participating in Study Abroad Program!

BOTTEGA VENETA

Symposium Held with Students from Study Abroad Program!

BOTTEGA VENETApresentsGreat East Japan EarthquakeAs part of the reconstruction support efforts, last year's Italian study abroad program garnered significant attention. This January, three students who embarked on a rigorous three-month immersion in Italy returned, and a symposium was held on May 31st (Thursday) to contemplate "the future of craftsmanship." What did they learn in the best possible environment, and how will they forge their futures? What lies ahead for Japanese craftsmanship? We look beyond the immediate, engaging with the insights of distinguished panelists.

Text by Koji Toyoda (OPENERS)

Contemplating the Future of Craftsmanship with BOTTEGA VENETA

The three aspiring young creators who participated in BOTTEGA VENETA's Italian study abroad program have finally returned! A symposium will be held on Thursday, May 31st, at the Ichijo Hall, Yayoi Auditorium, University of Tokyo, welcoming them back after their studies in Italian craftsmanship.

This Italian study abroad program offers a three-month, tuition-free advanced course in bag design and product development in Italy. Applications opened last November, and Yukina Koike, Megumi Odabe, and Kenko Sato were selected. Over three months from January this year, they diligently absorbed manufacturing know-how under the guidance of experts in their respective fields.

This symposium marks their return and provides an opportunity to reflect anew on the future of craftsmanship. The distinguished panel includes architect Kengo Kuma, art director Chie Morimoto, teamLab representative Toshikazu Inoko, and model and actress KIKI. Andrea Pompilio, a radio navigator, will serve as moderator, with announcer Megumi Mizuhara as the general MC. The event will also feature presentations by the three students on their study abroad experiences, a speech by Marco Bizzarri, President and CEO of BOTTEGA VENETA, and a lecture by Kengo Kuma.

The capacity is 300 attendees, and a lottery will be held if applications exceed this number. Applications are being accepted until May 16th (Wednesday) on the special website "The Future of Craftsmanship." These students, who seized a precious opportunity for the future after a major disaster, are part of the BOTTEGA VENETA study abroad program. What kind of future craftsmanship will they create?—We encourage you to attend and hear their answers.

BOTTEGA VENETA Symposium: "The Future of Craftsmanship"
Date & Time: Thursday, May 31, 2012, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Doors open 1:30 PM)
Venue: Ichijo Hall, Yayoi Auditorium, University of Tokyo
Capacity: 300 people
Admission: Free
Organizer: BOTTEGA VENETA

Keynote Speaker & Panelist: Kengo Kuma (Architect, Professor at the Department of Architecture, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo)
Panelists: Chie Morimoto (Art Director), Toshikazu Inoko (Representative of teamLab), KIKI (Model, Actress)
Moderator: Andrea Pompilio (Navigator, MC)
General MC: Megumi Mizuhara (Announcer)
Study Abroad Students: Yukina Koike, Megumi Odabe, Kenko Sato
Opening Remarks: Marco Bizzarri (President and CEO of BOTTEGA VENETA)

Application Website
http://www.bottegaveneta.jp/ja_JP/stories/gallery-Bottega-Veneta-Symposium.html

BOTTEGA VENETA Japan
symposium@jp.bottegaveneta.com