Volterra-Detroit Foundation – about

The Volterra – Detroit Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public non-profit foundation, which has been created by the Alumni and Faculty of the School of Architecture University of Detroit Mercy to fund the renovation and adaptation of the building of the former Art School in Volterra (Italy) for the Volterra International Residential College.

The Volterra-Detroit Foundation, supported by the UDM SOA Alumni, Faculty and Friends as well as the southeast Michigan Italian-American community raised over $400,000 for the renovation of the building. Based on the relationships built during the 23 years of the UDM SOA program in Volterra and the professional experience of the SOA Alumni and Faculty, the Foundation provided an efficient structure to organize and coordinate the construction process. The building renovation was completed in April 2013, and in May 2103 the first group of students from the School of Architecture University of Detroit Mercy arrived for the first semester of study at the Volterra International Residential College.

The Volterra-Detroit Foundation acts as the administrator for the building operations of the Volterra International Residential College. The Foundation works with the University of Detroit Mercy (its primary educational partner) and other educational institutions to provide students of these institutions with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history, culture and architecture of Tuscany, Italy and Europe.

The Volterra-Detroit Foundation continues to serve the academic programs at the Volterra International Residential College. It is now fundraising to create grants and scholarships which will make study in Volterra affordable for all students and to facilitate international cultural and artistic exchange and collaboration between the communities of Detroit and Volterra.