The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, will today open the institutional session of the States General of Cultural Diplomacy, the annual conference bringing together the Directors of Italian Cultural Institutes worldwide. This year, the event is being held in Macerata and Recanati.
The conference reflects a renewed approach to cultural relations, placing local territories and Italian excellence at the heart of global cultural promotion, following previous editions held in Naples, Florence, and Matera. In line with the concept of diplomacy for growth, the initiative also aims to promote a culture capable of generating tangible value, fostering synergies between culture, enterprise, innovation, and local communities.
The States General, which began yesterday with a closed-door working session, provides an opportunity for the 88 Italian Cultural Institutes worldwide to discuss innovative strategies for cultural promotion abroad and to strengthen dialogue with local cultural and entrepreneurial stakeholders. Sessions are scheduled to focus on the internationalisation of the Marche region, as well as on the intersection of culture and economic growth, exploring collaborative models and cultural export initiatives to enhance Italy’s cultural presence abroad and the potential economic benefits for Italian cultural enterprises.
The conference, taking place in iconic venues of Italian culture such as Teatro Lauro Rossi in Macerata and Casa Leopardi in Recanati, will also welcome the participation of the Undersecretary of State for Education and Merit, Paola Frassinetti, the Mayors of Macerata, Sandro Parcaroli, and of Recanati, Emanuele Pepa, as well as other leading figures from the cultural and business sectors.
Minister Tajani will also attend the “Mercury with Wings” Award ceremony, which annually recognises the most significant initiative carried out by one of the Italian Cultural Institutes, in collaboration with Rai Cultura.
Culture is a concrete economic driver. Italy’s cultural and creative production system generates over EUR 110 billion in added value. Including related industries and indirect effects, this vast ecosystem—comprising enterprises, third-sector institutions, and public administration—reaches a total value of over EUR 300 billion, equivalent to 15% of the national economy. More than 1.5 million people work in this sector, supported by a production system of over 280,000 enterprises.
