Italian Cultural Institute in Abu Dhabi Opens to the Public

The Italian Cultural Institute – Abu Dhabi (IIC), an official governmental body dedicated to promoting Italian language and culture, is now open to the public. The first and only Italian cultural hub in the Gulf region located in Al Bateen Area – Abu Dhabi is a three-storey building featuring a multi-functional space that can host various events, making it a premiere destination for arts and culture.

His Excellency Nicola Lener, the Ambassador of Italy to the UAE, said: “Strengthening economic and cultural bonds between Italy and UAE is our core objective. Indeed, we have had exchanges in various fields dating back to the 60s. We are excited to share our heritage on a cultural platform, and the establishment of the Italian Cultural Institute is a testament of how the country demonstrates the value of tolerance – by embracing different cultures that compose the social fabric of the UAE”.

Serving as the cultural arm of the Italian Embassy to the UAE, the Institute’s mission is to promote the knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the Italian heritage and contemporary culture. Through educational and cultural events, in the fields of art, music, literature and academics, IIC aims to bridge Italian and Emirati cultures to build stronger ties.

Ida Zilio-Grandi, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Abu Dhabi and Islamic studies expert, said: “As the Institute opens, we also open a culture of sharing with hopes to bring the people of multicultural, multi-ethnic and multilingual society closer. To do that, understanding is key because we want members of the society to develop a meaningful connection. The Institute is a platform to showcase the link between Italians and Arabs, how the rich history connects us both. What better way to understand other people’s cultures than arts?”

Welcoming the public is an exhibition by Fabrizio Plessi, the first Italian to experiment with video art. Titled “PLESSI’S DIGITAL WALL”, the show features five video works on free-standing TV screens that present water as a vital element. Conveying a message of hope and happiness, the artist depicts the continuous flow of life through the water element despite conflicts and disruptions. Pushing the boundaries between art and science through digital art, Plessi seeks to humanize technology by striking a balance between man’s historical consciousness and the new technologies that occupy an increasingly important place in our daily lives.

IIC will have an exciting calendar of events in the coming months. For schedules and updates, please visit the official website https://iicabudhabi.esteri.it/iic_abudhabi/en and follow @IICabudhab on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.