Siena: six recent graduates selected for the FMS Academy in the museum

Siena: six graduates join the FMS Academy

Fondazione Musei Senesi has chosen six recent graduates under 30 to take part in the FMS Academy, a programme that pairs multidisciplinary lessons with practical internships in museums across the Siena network. The initiative aims to develop hands‑on skills in museum management, cultural communication and public engagement.

Participants and placements

• Letizia Gagliano (Asti, 2000) – communication designer: placed in the FMS offices.
• Denise Latrofa (Bari, 2001) – visual arts management: assigned to the Museo del Paesaggio in Castelnuovo Berardenga.
• Giulia Mozzini (Montepulciano, 1996) – art history and digital museology: at the Pinacoteca Crociani in Montepulciano.
• Maddalena Postinger (Trento, 2001) – education and outreach: at the Museo Civico Archeologico e della Collegiata in Casole d'Elsa.
• Veronica Quagliata (Messina, 1997) – art history and cultural tourism: in the Civic Collections of the Municipality of Siena.
• Lorenzo Testi (Poggibonsi, 1998) – prehistoric archaeology and heritage communication: internship at the Museo Civico per la Preistoria del Monte Cetona (Cetona).

Training content

The initial phase includes one month of multidisciplinary lessons and workshops led by sector professionals. Key topics covered are:

• accessibility and inclusion to widen museum audiences;
• heritage interpretation and museum education methods for tours and workshops;
• digital communication and tools to promote collections online;
• participatory design, sustainability and visitor‑focused technologies.

Duration, funding and participating museums

Internships start with a six‑month placement, potentially renewable for another six months. The initiative is funded by the regional FSE+ Toscana 2021–2027 programme under the Giovanisì project, in collaboration with local authorities and territorial partners.

Main participating museums include:

• Museo Civico di Siena;
• Museo Civico per la Preistoria del Monte Cetona (Cetona);
• Pinacoteca Crociani (Montepulciano);
• Museo del Paesaggio (Castelnuovo Berardenga);
• Museo Civico Archeologico e della Collegiata (Casole d'Elsa).

Why it matters

The programme connects conservation and communication, supporting young professionals entering the cultural heritage sector with practical, up‑to‑date experience. It also strengthens cooperation among local museums by promoting skill sharing and joint initiatives.