Video greetings from Claudio Pagliara, new Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in New York
Dear friends of the Italian Cultural Institute in New York,
I am thrilled to have been appointed at the helm of this prestigious Institution. I intend to make it the home of Italian culture, open to all who love it: Italians, Italian Americans, and Americans. In a year when American democracy celebrates its 250th anniversary, most of the initiatives will be organized under the umbrella of “250 Years of Friendship.”
Culture has always been a bridge between the two countries and continues to be so, today.
To fulfill this mission, the Institute—in accordance with the Italian Embassy in Washington and the Consulate General of Italy in New York—intends to develop collaborations with the major Cultural Institutions of the city.
In addition to revitalizing our usual activities, I am announcing some new projects right away.
I will open the Institute’s wonderful library—30,000 volumes—to the public with two cultural initiatives:
- A book club, to create a community of Italian and American lovers of Italian literature.
- A reading in Italian, for children and teenagers studying in English who wish to remain connected to Dante’s language.
I will also be hosting monthly conferences titled: The Courage to Dream. Italian scientists and researchers will share their achievements and how they made their dreams come true.
Having worked in journalism for decades, I will be in frequent contact with you through my social media accounts and those of the Institute. I also invite you to register on our website to receive our newsletter, which will also cover the main initiatives promoting Italian culture by other organizations. I also intend to launch a podcast titled “Zoom”.
Stay tuned; the Institute is opening its doors and awaiting your visit!