150 Years of Genio Italiano. Opening

Iwona Adamczyk (December 26, 2011)

The contribution of the Italians to the world does not stop at art and literature and the proof of this is provided in the form of the exhibit “150 Anni di Genio Italiano- Innovazioni che Cambiano il Mondo” (150 years of Italian Genius-Innovation Changing the World) which is currently on view at the Italian Cultural Institute of New York. It is not in anyway a collection of scientific discoveries or scholarly research, instead on display are everyday objects, invented by Italians, with whose invention daily life has been facilitated or improved, and the way we do, see or use things has been forever changed

Under the high patronage of the President of the Italian Republic, Giorgio Napolitano and with the support of Italy-America Chamber of Commerce, on December 15th, the opening of the exhibition was held at the Consulate General of Italy (690 Park Ave). The Consul General of Italy Natalia Quintavalle welcomed all invited guests and expressed her gratitude to Professor Riccardo Viale, Fondazione Rosselli, L’Academia Nazionale dei Lincei, and Festival of Science of Genoa “for recognizing the importance of giving the community of New York the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate such a wonderful exhibition.”

Subsequently, Riccardo Viale thanked the Consul General for her kindness, in allowing to hold the opening ceremony on the premises of the Consulate as most of the IIC space was taken up by the exhibition. Prof. Viale said that he always wanted to organize an exhibit pertaining to science and technology and therefore he was grateful to all the collaborators and sponsors of the project such as: Enel, Farmindustria, Telecom and AugustaWestland, and most of all Fondazione Roselli who brought the exhibit to realization. He then explained how the exhibition is arranged, divided into five categories: Experiencing the New, Travelling for Knowledge, Crossing the Frontiers, Efficiency at Work, and To Cure is to Live, briefly explaining each of the categories and what the viewers can expect to find in them.

Next to address the audience was Mario Baldi, Associate Director at Politecnico di Torino and a Principal Architect at Embrane Inc. USA, who spoke about the many difficulties Italian engineers face both in finding work in their homeland after graduating from renown universities as well as when trying to apply for jobs abroad such as in the United States, due to the fact the schooling systems differ and often American employees are unfamiliar with the rigorous schooling these candidates go through. He talked about his own experiences, and those of his colleagues and students when they seek employment, emphasizing that many of them once hired by an American company prove themselves quickly with their efficiency, work ethic and innovation.

Before the audience made their way to the Italian Cultural Institute for the viewing of the exhibition, they were presented with a screening of a documentary titled “Italia del Futuro” (Italy of the Future), which was made in collaboration with Festival of Science of Genoa and the Rosselli Foundation and introduced to the many scientific projects currently being worked on or researched in Italy.

The coordinator of the project Chimera Poppi awaited the guests at the Institute and the exhibit was officially opened to the public. A wonderful reception followed during which the guests had the opportunity to speak to Ms. Poppi, Mr. Baldi and Prof. Viale about the realization of the exhibit or ask any questions.

The exhibit will remain open to the public until January 27th, 2012.
Please visit IIC website [2]for more info. for more information.