The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in partnership with the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and Confindustria Marmomacchine, presents “Marble. Carving the Future”, an original project that fosters a dialogue between the artistic, technical and business sectors to promote the Italian marble supply chain. The initiative, edited and realised by Magister Art, is part of the new Ministry of Foreign Affairs strategy to promote Italian know-how, heritage, traditions, and Made in Italy, stressing innovation and research in relation to these elements.
The first exhibition, which will move across many capitals around the world over the next two years, opened yesterday in the Palace of Culture in Algiers. The event saw the participation of the Italian Ambassador in Algiers – Giovanni Pugliese, the President of Confindustria Marmomacchine – Federico Fraccaroli, the President entrusted with Institutional Relationships – Flavio Marabelli, and the Creative Director of Magister Art – Alessandra Costantini. The exhibition, designed for an international audience, is an original visual and sound journey of experiences and emotions that underline the deep-rooted bonds between culture, territory, creativity and quality of the Italian marble manufacturing sector. Accompanying the visitors on a journey that combines modern and ancient perceptions are multimedia installations and a constant virtual dialogue between modern creations and the works of great artists such as Michelangelo, Bernini and Canova.
“The MARMO exhibition paves the way to an intense journey through Italian marble art and sculpting techniques. It is a journey intended to provide visitors with a glance at the Italian passion, creativity and wit in this sector. It is also a chance to understand better the Italian skills and know-how in marble extraction and manufacturing, as well as its technological excellencies” stated the Director General for Country Promotion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Ambassador Lorenzo Angeloni. “Opening this exhibition while the Italian businesses are taking part in the Batimatec Expo (International Construction Trade Fair), held in these days in Algiers, – added the Ambassador – provides a concrete example of the commitment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the strong team play of the institutions, associations and businesses working for an integrated promotion of Italy”.
In his words, Federico Fraccaroli – President of Confindustria Marmomacchine – highlighted that “the Association is proud to stand on behalf of the whole national marble supply chain in this first and original integrated example of promotion of an excellency manufacturing industry through an evocative, high-level and scenic event”. “Moreover, having been selected by the Ministry as partners in the realisation of this original format to promote the internationalisation of Made in Italy is a prestigious achievement for our industry,” – added Flavio Marabelli, President entrusted with Institutional Relationships – “we are particularly proud to have contributed to this project in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the ICE Agency, and supported by our pool of Businesses which provided us with high-quality products and pieces of knowledge for this scenic exhibition. An event that combines and promotes the cultural and industrial values of the Italian marble industry worldwide, thus strengthening the Italian identity across the globe”.
“On behalf of the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) – said Roberto Luongo, General Director – we are honoured to celebrate our Country’s artistic and technological capacity in the marble manufacturing sector. Indeed, this industry can truly and significantly contribute to making Made in Italy popular worldwide. After a standstill due to the Covid pandemic, Italian marble, granite and natural stones exports recorded double-digit growth. We are proud of having more than 80 operators, namely the largest delegation of businesses participating in the Batimatec Expo: evidence of the stable recovery of this industry, which exports more than 75% of its production”.
“Marble is one of the identity symbols of the Italian cultural heritage. It has embodied the Italian art and architecture throughout the centuries. Fostering an exhibition based on its value and processing stages by praising the Strength, Technique and Beauty of this material means creating a network for promoting and disseminating our culture and territory. The Magister Art’s vision, with a strong international projection, is fundamental to enhance the artistic and cultural heritage and the technological know-how offered by Italy” declared Renato Saporito, Founder and CEO of Magister Art.
The exhibition will be on show in Algiers until 9 June and will move to the Dupont Underground Art Centre of Washington from 1 September to 8 October.
