The project “La Cultura del Restauro” (The Culture of Restoration) was launched in Paris on 3 June. The initiative, carried out by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in collaboration with the Botticino School of Restoration – Valore Italia, envisages a series of enhancement and restoration projects held in Italian Cultural Institutes around the world.
“The project is a particularly successful example of collaboration aimed at promoting Italy’s cultural heritage worldwide,” commented the Director General for Public and Cultural Diplomacy at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alessandro De Pedys, who noted how the project allows for the enhancement of several elements of the Italian heritage in places that symbolise Italian culture around the world, while at the same time offering young scholars in the sector an international training opportunity.
As part of the initiative, a maintenance and restoration project was launched on a number of important pieces of art exhibited at the Hotel de Galliffet, the headquarters of the Italian Cultural Institute of Paris. The project is also being carried out thanks to the cooperation of Maison de l’Italie, the structure directed by Maria Chiara Prodi which is hosting the group of restorers from Italy. Contacts with the Italian Cultural Institutes of Beirut, Lima, and Prague have been arranged for upcoming activities.
“This project is a model for promoting the training of young restorers and encouraging their career in the cultural heritage sector, starting from international experiences that promote cooperation between professionals and institutions for the protection and enhancement of the historical and artistic heritage,” commented Arianna Beretta, Director of the Botticino School of Restoration.
Founded in 1974 and based in Milan, the Botticino School of Restoration offers advanced training, higher education and continuing education courses in the field of heritage enhancement, conservation and restoration. In 2023, the School effectively collaborated with the Italian Embassy in Washington during a restoration project at Villa Firenze, the Ambassador’s residence.