On July 17, the heart of Florence came alive in a new light during Tiny Florence: Faces and Places, a student-led photography exhibition hosted by Florence University of the Arts & The American University of Florence (FUA & AUF). The event highlighted the creative outcomes of the institution’s Introduction to Digital Photography course, where students were encouraged to move away from typical tourist-perfect scenes and turn their lenses toward the city’s quieter corners, overlooked details, and personal moments that define the beauty of the Florentine experience. With contributions from not only digital photography students but also from peers in fine arts, hospitality, social media, and public relations, the event invited locals, visitors, and students alike to slow down and see the world through someone else’s eyes.

Led by Professor Lapo Morgantini, the exhibition took place in the Corridolo Fiorentino at the university’s Palazzi Community Center. The space was transformed into an extension of the city itself, including the physical installation of the exhibition, becoming an essential component of the artistic message. In a nod to Florentine life and cultural immersion, photographs were displayed on miniature clotheslines stretching across the corridor, framed by detailed paper shutters and perched birds.

The collaborative nature of the event extended beyond the walls. Behind the scenes, over 200 photographs were reviewed by students enrolled in the Digital Art class, who worked together to narrow the selection down to 80. What could have been a routine task became a key moment in the course: a full three-hour class session in which students went through each photo one at a time to voice their own perspectives, embrace one another’s interpretations, and grow in their visual literacy along the way.

Student artist Alessandra O’Day, who spent the last three weeks immersed in Florence’s creative atmosphere, reflected on how this experience reshaped her outlook:

“It’s not only the space itself that brings us into the experience,” she said, “but the fact we’re able to all be together and have this community walk through the streets like we get to do every day on our way to class and exploring beyond.”

In addition to celebrating artistic talent, Tiny Florence: Faces and Places served a philanthropic purpose. Each photo displayed at the event was available for purchase, priced between 15 and 30 euros. All proceeds from those transactions were directed towards supporting AUF’s long-term student scholarship fund, ensuring that future students have the same opportunity to study, create, and experience the unique cultural richness that Florence has to offer. 

Tiny Florence: Faces and Places will be on display until August 9, 2025 at the Palazzi Community Center, located at via Ricasoli, 21 in Florence. To view the entire catalog online, please visit: https://corridoiofiorentino.it/tiny-florence-summer-b-2025/