Fabio Troisi Appointed Director of Italian Cultural Institute in Pretoria

Fabio Troisi, former cultural attaché at the Italian Cultural Institute (IIC) in New York, has been appointed director of the IIC in Pretoria, South Africa. In an interview with Artribune, Troisi reflects on his five-year tenure in New York, where he built a network among Italian artists and cultural operators, and spearheaded the 'Premio New York' residency program. He describes the transition from a fast-paced, event-heavy New York scene to a slower but opportunity-rich environment in South Africa. Troisi emphasizes the need for a non-colonial, dialogic approach to cultural cooperation, avoiding eurocentrism. The IIC Pretoria covers South Africa, Namibia, Madagascar, and other territories, but lacks exhibition spaces, forcing collaboration with local institutions. His priorities include establishing an artist residency program in South Africa, expanding Italian language courses, and participating in the 2019 Year of Italian Culture in Africa. He notes South Africa's vibrant cultural scene, with Nobel laureates in literature, internationally recognized contemporary artists, and strong opera, jazz, and dance traditions. Troisi criticizes the lack of a long-term political vision from Rome for promoting Italian culture abroad, attributing current successes to individual staff efforts.