Francesco Di Lella, 33, Appointed Director of Italian Cultural Institute in Stockholm

Francesco Di Lella, a 33-year-old from Naples with a PhD in Romance Philology from Sapienza University and the Sorbonne, has been named director of the Italian Cultural Institute (IIC) in Stockholm, succeeding Maria Sica. His background includes work with the Farnesina contemporary art collection at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Di Lella aims to promote contemporary Italian culture alongside tradition, emphasizing reflection on present-day Italy. The IIC, housed in a Gio Ponti-designed building from the late 1950s, will host exhibitions, language courses, and partnerships with local universities. Upcoming events include a solo show by Sabrina Mezzaqui titled 'Fare piano' (Oct 11–Jan 6, 2023), a Pasolini retrospective with films, concerts, and a photo exhibition 'Pasolini. Ipotesi di raffigurazione' (Oct 24–Jan 6, 2023), and a poetry day for Settimana della Lingua featuring Alessandra Cava and Lorenzo Mari. The institute also participated in Stockholm Design Week with a Formafantasma video. Funding comes from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, language course fees, and support from the Fondazione Lerici.