NABA Expands Its Global Presence with the Opening of a New London Campus
NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, is excited to announce the upcoming opening of its first international campus in London. This new venue will be located within the Here East innovation and technology campus, situated in the heart of the Olympic Park. Starting from October 2026, the London campus will serve as a key hub for NABA’s global expansion and a model for future international centers.
London has long been a leading center for artistic and creative education, offering a dynamic environment where innovation, culture, and emerging trends in art, fashion design, and design converge. The new campus will allow NABA to contribute to the development of new talent while promoting Italian heritage and expertise. It aligns with the Academy’s mission: “Through Artistic Intelligence, we nurture people to design a new tomorrow.”
The launch of the London campus is being managed by Daniele Bisello o Ragno, Managing Director of NABA, along with Guido Tattoni, NABA Dean, and the Leadership Team. Together, they are driving forward NABA’s international development strategy, with the London opening marking a significant milestone.
Educational Programs and Facilities
The London campus will be the third NABA location after Milan and Rome. Initially, it will offer three Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs in Design, Fashion Design, and Fashion Marketing Management, alongside a Foundation Course starting in the 2026/27 academic year. All programs will be taught in English and emphasize practical, interdisciplinary learning connected to the world of work.
Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including:
- Design Lab
- Fashion Design Lab
- Textile and Knitwear Lab
- A studio classroom
- Various creative spaces
Educational services will be equivalent to those offered at the Milan and Rome campuses, including Career Service support, visa assistance, psychological counseling, and access to a library. Admission criteria will follow the same standards as the other NABA campuses, with the option to transfer between locations.
Upon successful completion of the three-year courses, students will earn a BA (Hons) Degree accredited by Regent’s University London, a prestigious institution that is part of the Galileo Global Education (GGE) group. Through this partnership, students will receive a UK-recognized qualification with international validity.
Location and Vision
The new campus will occupy over 2,000 square meters within the Here East innovation and technology campus. This area is one of the most dynamic and innovative parts of London, home to institutions like the Liverpool Media Academy, also part of the GGE group. London serves as an outdoor laboratory where artistic knowledge merges with innovation, providing an ideal setting for NABA’s “learning by doing” approach.
The campus will focus on digital technologies and sustainability, reflecting NABA’s commitment to environmental responsibility. It aims to create a space where students can gain hands-on experience through real-world projects with companies and institutions, preparing them for the challenges of the creative industries.
Leadership Perspective
Daniele Bisello o Ragno, Managing Director of NABA, emphasized the importance of this expansion. “At NABA, we believe in an education that trains people, not just professionals. With this opening, the Academy is strengthening its global vocation, creating an environment where cultures come together to design tomorrow together.”
He added, “Our uniqueness lies in the combination of the excellence of Italian design and an experiential and creative educational approach. We want to introduce a new voice that unites heritage and the avant-garde. Our aim is to offer a model that can be replicated globally, and we hope that London is the first of many new premises.”
About NABA
NABA is an international academy focused on arts and design. It is the largest Academy of Fine Arts in Italy and was the first to be recognized by the Italian Ministry of University and Research in 1981. The academy offers academic diplomas equivalent to university degrees in fields such as design, fashion design, graphics, communication, multimedia arts, new technologies, set design, and visual arts. It also provides PhD and special programs.
Founded in 1980 by Ausonio Zappa, NABA has attracted renowned artists and educators, aiming to move away from traditional academic methods and embrace contemporary practices. The academy has been recognized by Frame as one of the top graduate schools in design, architecture, and fashion worldwide and by Domus Magazine as one of Europe’s top 100 schools in architecture and design.
