What is it about?
This project is part of the 2025 Giornata delle Ville Venete (Venetian Villas Day) and aims to engage high school students in a ‘creative contest’ to explore and reinterpret the concept of the Venetian Villa through a modern lens. The project will culminate in the presentation of the most deserving ideas during the official conference of the Venetian Villas Days, scheduled for October 17, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Villa Zileri (Vicenza). The initiative goes beyond the historical and artistic dimensions, promoting a holistic view of the Venetian Villa that integrates heritage sustainability, economics, tourism, and agriculture. The goal is to spur the students’ entrepreneurial creativity by asking them to develop a ‘Villa Veneta of the Future’ startup concept that addresses contemporary challenges and opportunities – encompassing architectural and artistic elements as well as economic, tourism, and agricultural models.
A core concept to build upon is the question:
“What would you do if you owned a Venetian Villa in your local area?”
The content to be developed and the theme of the conference
This year’s GVV conference explores the deep, unbreakable bond between Venetian Villas and the land, understood in its dual sense: on the one hand, fertile humus, capable of generating quality agricultural products with respect for the environment; on the other, humanitas, the human capital of the communities and individuals (owners, managers, staff, etc.) who bring the Villas to life through their traditions, memory, and crucial role in preserving cultural and environmental heritage.
We will trace the history of the Venetian Villas from their origins as ‘case de villa’—the heart of agricultural production and a source of local employment—to the present day. Today, while diversifying into tourism, cultural activities, and agriculture, Venetian Villas are rediscovering their role as driving forces within a productive system, all while safeguarding a living, relevant historical memory. A specific focus will be dedicated to B Corps, companies that integrate common-benefit goals into their business models.
Building on this premise, we invite young students to reflect on and present their vision for the Venetian Villa of the future. The goal is not simply to picture the Venetian Villa as an architectural or artistic asset, but to conceive it as a cross-cutting project. Participants must integrate economic, tourist, and—if they see fit—agricultural aspects into their ideas. They may also imagine themselves as owners of a Venetian Villa in their local area and describe what they would do with it.
Students must present their idea creatively, as if pitching the ‘startup of the Venetian Villa of the future.’ They are free to use videos, graphics, text, or other visual elements to make their proposal as effective and engaging as possible.
A jury composed of representatives from USRV, AVV, and IRVV will select the three best projects. Two student representatives from each of the three finalist schools will have the opportunity to present their idea live during the conference on October 17th, in a presentation lasting approximately 15 to 20 minutes in total.
How to participate?
Schools interested in participating must register by completing the dedicated form at the following link.
Once registered, they will receive an email in the following days containing a link to a Drive folder with resources designed to support students and teachers in preparing their projects.
The folder will contain resources such as:
- Videos and content from the official YouTube channel of Ville Venete and GVV.
- Tools like the Business Model Canvas to help them structure their idea.
- Educational materials, reports, catalogs, and much more.
Additionally, to provide further support, we have organized an online training session on September 18 at 4:00 PM CEST. During this call, students can delve deeper into the topic and ask technical questions directly to the organizers of Giornata delle Ville Venete. We are confident that this project will not only highlight the heritage of the Venetian Villas, but also give young people a powerful voice to shape their future.
Requirements
To be a public or state-accredited secondary school located in the Veneto Region.
What to produce
Working either individually or in groups, students will present their idea in a creative and innovative way.
- Format: A video pitch with a maximum duration of two minutes, produced in MP4 format and uploaded to the dedicated Drive folder previously shared by the organizers.
- Content: The video must present their “Startup – Venetian Villa of the Future” concept and may include live-action footage, graphics, text, animations, and other visual elements.
- Submission: Videos must be uploaded to a designated Drive folder; the link will be sent to the school upon registration.
Dates and deadlines
- Register for the initiative by September 17 by filling out the form at the following link. Those who complete the form will receive: a link to a Drive folder containing materials designed to support students and teachers in preparing their projects; a link to join the info call; and a link to their dedicated Drive folder, where the final pitch video must be uploaded to enter the contest.
- September 18 at 4:00 PM: Information call to dive deeper into the theme and ask technical questions directly to the Venetian Villas Day organizers.
- September 30 by 6:00 PM: Deadline to upload pitch videos to your dedicated folder.
- October 6: Announcement of the winners (3 participating schools) by the USRV via email.
- October 17, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Participation and presentation at the GVV2025 Conference at Villa Zileri (Vicenza) for 2 students and 1 teacher.
The winners of the project "The Villa of the Future Seen Through the Eyes of Youth"
Project winners: We are pleased to share the names of the institutes to which the finalist classes of the project belong:
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Primo Levi Higher Education Institute, Badia Polesine (RO)
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A. Pacinotti Higher Education Institute, Mestre (VE)
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“Max Planck” Institute – Applied Sciences High School, Lancenigo di Villorba (TV)
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The winners will be announced on Friday, October 17th, during the conference held at Villa Zileri.