Among the various tasks of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, perhaps few know that there is the so-called Cultural Diplomacy. That is, it strives to safeguard harmony with other countries. By promoting and organizing cultural activities, including the spreading of Italian language. And it does so through the 83 Italian Cultural Institutes spread all over the world. Toronto also boasts its presence. Let’s find out together the headquarters and activities of this institute which is a full-fledged peripheral body of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The headquarters of Italian Cultural Institute
Established in 1976, until 1982 it has been guest of the Consulate General of Italy in Toronto (136 Beverley St). The current headquarters of the Italian Cultural Institute, however, is located near the campus of the University of Toronto. The structure, which belongs to the Italian government, was enriched in 2001 with the opening of a new external office in Woodbridge, in the metropolitan area of Toronto, to offer Italian language courses. Nine directors have succeeded each other since the opening until today. We only remember two. The first was Giovanni d’Alba. The last, in office since 2015, is Alessandro Ruggero. But what are the goals of the center?
Goals and activities
The Institute is an organization which offers cultural and academic activities. In addition to continuous information on contemporary Italy, its regions and its multilayered cultural heritage. It provides Italian language courses and is also a place for art exhibitions, conferences, films and video projections. It offers information and logistical support to Italian and foreign public and private operators interested in Italian cultural events in Canada. Moreover, it supports initiatives that encourage intercultural and multilateral dialogue based on the principles of democracy, mutual respect and international solidarity. And it is often involved in events organized by other cultural offices of the EU countries. Finally, the Institute gives the opportunity for cultural collaboration between Italian and Canadian organizations and individuals, in order to facilitate exchanges in the field of theater, music and cinema.
Events and personalities
It was through the Institute that Toronto had the opportunity to experience theater and ballet. But also Italian music, contemporary literature, Italian art and cinema. It hosted, among others, the Aterballetto, the Piccolo Teatro di Milano, Vittorio Gassman and Franca Rame. Giorgio Strehler was the first Italian artist to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Toronto. In the music sector, many world-renowned artists came here. Such as Salvatore Accardo, Uto Ughi, the soloists of the Scala Trio. And Paolo Olmi, Michelangelo Carbonara. The personalities of Italian literature who have been here where Giorgio Bassani, Umberco Eco, Sandro Veronesi, Paolo Volponi and many others. Thanks to the Institute, the philosophers Renato Bodei and Gianni Vattimo were brought to Toronto. For cinema, retrospectives of the major Italian directors and actors such as Federico Fellini, Totò. Alberto Sordi, Vittorio De Sica, Marcello Mastroianni, Anna Magnani have been organized.
These and many other initiatives that make the Italian Cultural Institute in Toronto a promoter of Italian culture and language.
Images from Italian Cultural Institute in Toronto Facebook page
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