In America, 2013 will be Italy’s year. The exhibition of Michelangelo’s renowned David-Apollo in the National Gallery of Art in Washington marked the official opening today, 12 December 2012, of the Year of Italian Culture in the United States. The project is an initiative of Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi and enjoys the patronage of the President of the Republic, Giorgio Napolitano.
Young generations the principal players
“Our focus and our most pressing commitment”, said Terzi in his speech, “are the younger generations of Italy and the USA. Our initiative sees them involved at one and the same time as both key players and long-term beneficiaries of this dynamic boost to our bilateral relations, the principal goal of the ‘Year’”. Terzi pointed out that “there can be no growth without culture, and prosperity is possible only if it is deeply rooted in the soil of shared values and history”. Relations between the United States and Italy “are strengthened by the energy and dedication of generations of Italians who have come to America”.
“The Year of Italian Culture in the United States”, underscored President Napolitano in his message, “represents an active commitment to further strengthen the long-standing and solid friendship between our two countries. In 2011, the celebrations for the 150 anniversary of the Unification of Italy, which were such a success in the United States too, prompted a reflection on our common roots in terms of both ideals and culture. 2013 will enable us to look to the present and to the future”.
Over 180 events in 40 cities: “System Italy” in all its facets
“The Year of Culture”, commented the Italian Ambassador, Claudio Bisogniero, “will involve all the facets of ‘System Italy’: institutional, cultural, economic. This approach helps to mobilise resources, generate projects, and produce a stronger and more continuous impact that will be projected into the future”.
The Year of Culture is being promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ministries for Cultural Heritage, Economic Development, and Universities and Research, and with the Agency for the Promotion of Italy Abroad (ICE) and the National Tourism Board (ENIT Italia). The initiative will include more than 180 events in over 40 American cities.
The “keywords” will be: research, discovery and innovation. The idea is to showcase an Italy that is proud of its historic and artistic traditions yet stands on the cutting edge of innovation and looks to the future. A united effort that was also made possible by the support of numerous private sector sponsors, including the ENI and Intesa San Paolo Corporate Ambassadors. The “Year of Italian Culture” will see the involvement of some of the most renowned cultural and scientific institutions of the two countries, with around 70 American organisations taking part.
After the David, other exhibitions will feature the Dancing Satyr from Mazara del Vallo, the Ephebus of Motya, Leonardo’s Codex on Flight, and works by Caravaggio, Chia, Morandi and De Chirico. Science and design will also be featured, with events dedicated to Italian Nobel Prize-winners and the excellence of our design. The programme will also include a rich offering of concerts, film seasons and theatre.
