About us
We study the arts and their languages to build knowledge and foster dialogue between Research and society.
Our department was established in 2012 through the merger of the Department of Visual Arts and the Department of Music and Performing Arts, building on a tradition that began with the opening of DAMS in 1971 – Italy’s first Degree Programme dedicated to the arts, music and the performing arts.
Today, we are among the Departments of Excellence 2023–2027: recognition that rewards the quality of our research, the growth of our academic staff, pedagogical innovation and our ability to network at national and international levels.
Our strength lies in thediversity of disciplines that characterise us: visual arts, dance, cinema, philosophy, photography, media, music, pedagogy, political science, semiotics, sociology, history and theatre, right through to the fields of law and computer science. This wealth of knowledge fuels an interdisciplinary vision that combines tradition and innovation, always engaging with the challenges of contemporary society and the digital transformation.
Recognised expertise
Awards and recognition confirm the quality of the department and its academic staff.
International dimension
Thanks to international collaborations, projects and activities, the Department strengthens the quality of its teaching and research, fostering the exchange of ideas, expertise and experiences from different contexts.
Our research activity
Our research activity is highly multidisciplinary and is carried out through projects that intertwine the arts with the social sciences, humanities and technology. The main research areas address themes such as visual culture, contemporary artistic practices and digital transformations, with a growing focus on sustainability, inclusion and social impact.Explore our research
Our education
With nearly 6,000 students, we are one of the largest departments at the University of Bologna. Our academic offering is broad and multidisciplinary, comprising three-year and second cycle/Two-year Master’s degree degree programmes, postgraduate master’s programmes, international degree programmes taught in English, and the new PhD degree programme in Arts, History and Society.Discover our Programme Catalogue
Our commitment to society and collaboration with organisations and businesses
We regard culture as a common good and promote public engagement initiatives that strengthen dialogue between the university, the city and the local area. Furthermore, we actively collaborate with public bodies, businesses and third-sector organisations to harness our competencies and develop joint projects inspired by the principles of sustainability, inclusion and social innovation.Find out more about our links with society, organisations
More info
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Strategy and Quality
A strategy that places quality at the heart of our activities: clear objectives, constant Monitoring of results achieved, and measures to drive improvement. The department presents i.ts Strategic Plan.
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Work with us
Opportunities for growth, training and professional collaborations offered by the department.