"GLASS: Research and Future" is a day of discussion and exchange that will bring together representatives from the worlds of culture, research, education, and industry, with the aim of exploring the future prospects of glass art. The program includes talks ranging from the enhancement of the historical glass heritage to the application of new technologies, with particular focus on innovation, sustainability, cultural storytelling, and education. It will be an opportunity to strengthen the dialogue between tradition and contemporaneity, promoting the transmission and renewal of Murano’s glassmaking knowledge.

PROGRAM:
9:30 | Welcome remarks
-Enrico Pizzoli, Director, Technical Technological Institute for Graphics and Communication with enhanced curriculum in the art of glass
-Chiara Squarcina, Scientific Director, Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia

10:00 | Timeless Glass: Historical Heritage and New Technological Frontiers
A journey between past and future of glass: science and nanotechnologies open new paths to preserve ancient treasures. The study of glass from the past becomes a source of inspiration to develop new technologies and create innovative, sustainable glass.
-Arianna Traviglia, Director, Centre for Cultural Heritage Technology (CCHT), Italian Institute of Technology (IIT)
-Roberta Zanini, Postdoctoral researcher, Conservation scientist, Centre for Cultural Heritage Technology (CCHT), Italian Institute of Technology (IIT)

10:30 | Presentation of the Murano 3D Project
Optimizing molds and co-creating original works, aiming to establish a collaborative ecosystem among businesses, academia, and training. “Murano 3D” seeks to innovate the Murano artistic glass sector by integrating 3D printing into traditional production processes.
-Davide Crippa, Associate Professor / Scientific Director Murano 3D design area, Università Iuav di Venezia
-Paolo Colombo, Full Professor of Materials Science and Technology, Scientific Director Murano 3D additive manufacturing of molds for glassworking, Università di Padova
-Terenzio Zanini, President, Euteknos – Innovative Regional Network of Venetian Artistic Manufacturing

11:00 | The Glass Island
The Glass Island is a six-episode podcast produced by Ca’ Foscari University in collaboration with the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia. It weaves together the voices of master glassmakers, apprentices, and scholars to narrate the millenary history and contemporary challenges of glassmaking in Murano.
-Nicolò Groja, Radio Ca’ Foscari, Università Ca’ Foscari di Venezia
-Sara Nazzari, Curator, Graduate in Economics and Management of the Arts, Università Ca’ Foscari di Venezia
11:20 | Comic Book “The Future of Murano Glass”
The interactive comic book The Future of Murano Glass was created by the Circolo Ricreativo Culturale Muranese Aps thanks to civic crowdfunding promoted by the Municipality of Venice. The aim of the project is to bring young people closer to the art of glass in all its forms, from design to execution across all techniques.
-Sandro Smerghetto, Vice President, Circolo Ricreativo Culturale Muranese
11:40 | Educational and Training Proposals on the Art of Glass: MUVE Academy
Presentation of the Glass History course / Education Courses.
The educational and training initiatives dedicated to the art of glass range from MUVE Academy courses to Education programs, including a new Glass History course and a program introducing middle school students to the craft of the Master Glassmaker. The goal is to enhance Murano’s tradition while offering tools for knowledge and deeper understanding to students and enthusiasts.
-Lorenza Malvezzi, Principal, Technical Technological Institute for Graphics and Communication with enhanced curriculum in the art of glass
-Pietroluigi Genovesi, Head of MUVE Academy and MUVE Education, Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia
-Mauro Stocco, Assistant Curator, Museo del Vetro di Murano, Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia

12:00 | Presentation of the Murano Prize
Fondazione Musei Civici and the Abate Zanetti Technical Technological Institute announce a competition for the creation of original glass artworks. The Prize aims to support and enhance the uniqueness of Murano’s artistic glass tradition by involving designers and master glassmakers, encouraging the exchange of ideas and projects for the development and sharing of new expressive languages.
-Chiara Squarcina, Scientific Director, Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia
-Mauro Stocco, Assistant Curator, Museo del Vetro di Murano, Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia