The Italian Cultural Institute (IIC) in Washington is an office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian government, dedicated to the promotion of Italian culture in the United States through the organization of cultural services and events.
Under the guidance of its trustees at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, its advisory board, and its staff, the IIC conforms to this commitment by fostering the cultural exchange between Italy and the US in a variety of areas, from the arts to the humanities to science.
Central to the Italian Cultural Institute’s mission is a constant effort to encourage the understanding and enjoyment of Italian culture by organizing and promoting cultural events in collaboration with the most prominent academic and cultural institutions of the United States’ Mid-Atlantic and South East regions.
The IIC focuses on the development of initiatives aimed at showcasing Italian excellence in various fields, such as science, technology, the arts and design. The development of academic exchanges, the organization and support of visual arts exhibitions, the grants for translation and publication of Italian books, the promotion of Italian studies, and the cooperation with local institutions in planning various events that focus on Italian music, dance, cinema, theater, architecture, literature, philosophy etc., are just a few examples of the Institute’s initiatives.
In conclusion, the Italian Cultural Institute in Washington provides an “open window” to the cultural and social aspects of past and current Italy.
Currently the Italian Cultural Institute network includes over 80 locations throughout the world. Italian Cultural Institutes can be found in major cities of Asia, Africa, Oceania, the Americas and Europe.