Promoting Italian arts and culture in the UK
The Istituto Italiano di Cultura
The Istituto Italiano di Cultura ( IIC ) is an agency of the Italian Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and International Cooperation . It was established to promote and diffuse Italian language , arts and culture and its London-based branch is responsible for making this happen across England and Wales . With presence in almost every major city in the world ( including Edinburgh and Dublin covering Scotland and Ireland ), the IIC in London is one of 86 Italian cultural institutes currently pinned on the map .
Through its extensive programme of events - which includes everything from book clubs for adults , teens and children to conferences , photography and arts exhibitions - the IIC in London helps to circulate information and ideas to anyone and everyone who is interested in Italian culture . Its work brings people closer to Italy and enables those in England and Wales - both Italian and British - to forge a deeper connection with il bel paese .
The London branch of the IIC was established in 1949 and is based at Belgrave Square in south-west London - a site which was gifted to the Italian Ambassador of the time by the Duke of Westminster . It now plays host to many of the IIC ’ s frequent and wide-ranging events which are attended by the British and Italian public , as well as academics and students .
Events and exhibitions
Recent high-profile events at the IIC have included book tour interviews in London and Manchester with 2023 Premio Strega nominee Maddalena Vaglio Tanet about her debut novel Untold Lessons ; a panel talk on the history of architectural design and FuoriSalone to celebrate the 70th anniversary of INTERNI Magazine ; and conversations between celebrated chefs including Giorgio Locatelli , Giusi Battaglia and Letitia Clark on the island cooking traditions of Sicily and Sardinia to mark the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World .
As well as hosting its own programme of events at Belgrave Square , the IIC often coproduces or part-funds events in London and beyond . One such example is a critically acclaimed photography exhibition currently showing at The Photographer ’ s Gallery near Oxford Circus , London , entitled Letizia Battaglia : Life , Love and Death in Sicily .
Source at : Instagram @ thephotographersgallery
Letizia Battaglia
Battaglia ( 1935-2022 ), born in Palermo , was a trailblazing photographer who began her career documenting everyday life and the horrors of the Mafia in her forties . She mainly worked in black and white and her powerful images juxtapose the poverty on the streets of Palermo with the wealth in some areas . She also documented festivals , funerals and the daily lives of women and children in their neighbourhoods .
Her portfolio draws striking parallels with current events , which cements its enduring relevance in today ’ s world . Battaglia ’ s work is now making an impact here in the UK . Critics at The Guardian and Time Out have given it four star ratings and the exhibition will run until February 23 2025 , so be sure to check it out .
Source : Instagram @ thephotographersgallery
By Lauren Gill ( She / Her ) // MA Translation
Photography changes nothing . Violence continues , poverty continues .
“ Photography changes nothing . Violence continues , poverty continues . Children continue to be killed in stupid wars .” - Letizia Battaglia
For those interested in or studying translation , the IIC provides access to a number of prizes and grants for the translation of Italian books and production , dubbing and subtitling of Italian films and TV series , with the aim of promoting the diffusion of Italian language and culture abroad .
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