Istituto Italiano di Cultura, the official Italian cultural house in Jakarta, has a number of roles to play in relation to fostering a strong and vibrant arts, culture and heritage sector. Director Michela Linda Magri spoke to Now! Jakarta about the institution’s involvement in the wide variety of initiatives which contributes to a dynamic and vibrant connection between both countries.
Photo by Raditya Fadilla/NOW!JAKARTA
Istituto Italiano di Cultura has been playing a pivotal role since its establishment in 2000 in the preservation and promotion of Italian heritage, and in facilitating citizen’s interaction and engagement with major Italian cultural events across the archipelago. In collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in Jakarta the institution promotes cooperation between universities, academies and other institution in the two countries, thus giving diplomatic values a boost.
As the director of the institution, Michela helps to advocate a strong tie between Italy and Indonesia while disseminating Italian culture by conducting events ranging music, art, dance, fashion and design, architecture, food, science, language and literature.
A range of sectors including art, culture and education are held in the form of lectures, art exhibitions, symposia and concerts at the cultural house and other venues across Indonesia.
“As the centre of the promotion of Italian heritage, we also promise academic exchange and scholarships. The Italian government offers educational programmes and scholarships every year for Indonesian citizens who want to experience study abroad in Italy. In partnership with Uni-Italia Indonesia, we continuously promote ‘Study in Italy’ through our participation in education fairs around Indonesia”, Michela said.
Not only does the institute provide yearly scholarships for Indonesian citizens but they also offer Italian language and culture courses, examinations for Italian as a foreign language certificate and cooking classes. “Moreover, the Institute covers every dimension of modern life combining the aesthetic values of Italian tradition with the latest innovation through a vast and rich programme ranging from every genre of music, to antique and contemporary dance, from design and architecture to science, from language and literature to cultural heritage, from technology to cuisine, and many more”, she added.
One of the major events held recently as part of the celebration of International Women’s Day was one entitled “Liberty in Creativity”. Organised by Second Chance Foundation, it highlighted the importance of the creative and productive work in reintegrating incarcerated women in society. At this special occasion, the institute, in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in Jakarta and the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia and the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) committed to combating all forms of exploitation, discrimination and violence against women and children. In this directive, they work toward achieving gender equality, human rights and social issues in the global sphere.
With regard to Institute’s agenda this year, Michela spoke about Vivere all’Italiana − Italian Way of Life, a programme held by Italian Foreign Ministry in cooperation with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, the Ministry of Education and the Società Dante Alighieri and RAI. Italian Way of Life is designed with the intention of combining beauty and poetry in every dimension of life.
“Vivere all’Italiana aims to give you the exceptional and precious possibility to have the first hand experience of Made in Italy in every aspect of modern life”, Michela said. It is hoped that it will lead to a strategic component of the foreign policy to strengthen dialogue, innovation, social and economic growth for the advancement of diplomatic ties between Italy and Indonesia.
Other plans for 2018 include ‘Europe on Screen’, the 18th edition of the Week of Italian Language, and the third edition of the Italian Cuisine Week around the World. As for Europe on Screen this year, Istituto Italiano di Cultura participates in promoting the importance of Italian cinematography to world cinema. Visitors can enjoy three selected films at Europe on Screen this month, such as A Ciambra (Jonas Carpignano), “Perfect Strangers” (Paolo Genovese) and” Fathers and Daughters” (Gabriele Muccino).
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This article is originally from paper. Read NOW!Jakarta Magazine May 2018 issue “Building Future Leader”. Available at selected bookstore or SUBSCRIBE here.
