(Adnkronos) – Directors, officials, curators, restorers, librarians and archivists from 12 African countries are receiving advanced professional training in Italy through 22 May under a Cultural Heritage programme within the framework of the government’s 5.5 billion euro Mattei Plan to boost Africa’s development, the culture ministry said on Tuesday.
A network of Italy’s museums and cultural institutions are involved in the strategic iniative which brings together Italian and foreign professionals involved in managing cultural assets through sharing knowledge, experience, methodology and tools.
Following an online phase and a week of in-person sessions in Rome, the participants from Algeria, Angola, Congo-Brazzaville, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Senegal, Tanzania and Tunisia on Monday began a one-month attachment with six Italian museums, according to the cultural ministry statement.
During their attachments, the African professionals will work on collections, curatorial research and activities involving the public at the six museums: the Museum of Civilisations (MUCIV); the Archaeological Museums and Parks of Praeneste and Gabii; the National Archaeological Museum of Taranto (MArTA); the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN); the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria (MArRC); and the National Archaeological Museum of the Agro Falisco and Forte Sangallo in Civita Castellana.
“The International School of Cultural Heritage is one of the tools through which the ministry of culture strengthens its action, promoting cultural diplomacy as dialogue, collaboration and the building of lasting institutional relationships,” said culture minister Alessandro Giuli.
“In a geopolitical context marked by transformation, culture is an increasingly strategic element in international relations: it fosters the circulation of ideas and the building of trust between institutions and among peoples. Through advanced training and exchanges between professionals, the School helps to promote cultural heritage as the primary area of collaboration between Italy and the nations of the Mediterranean region, in line with the Mattei Plan and with a vision based on shared growth,” Giuli continued.
Active since 2019, the International School of Cultural Heritage has established itself as a key forum for international dialogue and collaboration in the field of cultural heritage and further developing the skills of professionals from the Africa and the Mediterranean region, according to the school’s website.
