News for March/April 2006:

THE ITALIAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE

The Italian Cultural Institute, directed by Francesca Valente, is one of five government cultural agencies established in the United States by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Founded in 1984, the Institute is a center for cultural and academic activities, a school of Italian language and culture, and a center for art exhibitions, film screenings and videos. It promotes the translation of Italian authors by encouraging local publishers and makes the public aware of Italian artists, as well as literary contests and awards.

In 2006 the Institute will host special screenings of movies by Cristina Comencini (Don't Tell), Folco Quilici (L'Impero di Marmo, Fratello Mare), The Best of the Milano International Film Festival and The Los Angeles Film Festival (whose other venues include the Hammer Museum and The Geffen Playhouse).

Among the Institute's other cultural offerings are an exhibition by Nunzio, a noted avant-garde sculptor and painter; a concert by pianist Marino Formenti (at LACMA); the debut of the chamber-music trio ISolisti Della Scala (Zipper Concert Hall), a concert by L.A. Philharmonic Trio followed by a seminar on Stradivari and his instruments; and exhibitions by such leading Italian artists as Carlo Battaglia, Mariella Bettineschi, Gilberto Zorio and Mauro Staccioli (Athanaeum Music & Arts Library, La Jolla, CA).

On May 25th the Institute, in conjunction with UCLA, will host a literary conference on Dante and the Twentieth Century.

For complete information and tickets, contact the Institute at (310) 443-3250, fax (310) 443-3254, or visit iiclosangeles@esteri.il



News for July/August 2005