The Italian Cultural Institute (IIC) in Washington is an office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation dedicated to promoting Italian culture in the United States by organizing events and providing cultural services.
Under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the advisory board and its own staff, the Italian Cultural Institute of Washington conforms to this commitment by cultivating cultural exchange between Italy and the United States in different areas of interest ranging from the arts to the humanities to science.
The mission of the Italian Cultural Institute of Washington is to constantly strive to foster the understanding and enjoyment of different expressions of Italian culture.
Developing academic exchanges, organizing and supporting exhibitions and festivals, encouraging the publication of Italian books, promoting the study of the Italian language, and working with local institutions to plan events in music, dance, cinema, theater, architecture, literature, etc., are just some of the initiatives undertaken by the Italian Cultural Institute of Washington.
The IIC also offers:
- a library service, making available to the public for consultation and lending of Italian books, magazines and newspapers;
- information and documentation on Italy in the cultural field
In conclusion, the Italian Cultural Institute in Washington is configured as an “open window” on the different cultural and social aspects of Italy.
There are 82 Italian Cultural Institutes active in the world, present in the major cities of different states, from Asia to Africa, from Oceania to the Americas and Europe.