ABOUT US

The Italian Cultural Center (ICC), founded in Minneapolis in 2006, is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization open to anyone interested in the unique phenomena of Italian culture. 

Vision: To establish a multifaceted center in Minnesota for all things Italian; to serve as a beacon for classic and contemporary Italian culture through language, art, music, design, cinema, architecture, and technology.

Mission:  To promote the knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Italian culture through educational services and cultural events.

Objectives

• Promote the best of Italian culture to people of all ages in Minnesota.
• Provide in-depth exploration of Italian culture through unique stories of its artists and scientists.
• Create stimulating opportunities for enrichment and transformation on personal and community levels. 
• Become a resource and focal point for everything Italian in Minnesota.
• Create a physical home for the Italian Cultural Center in the Twin Cities.
• Create partnerships in Italy for promotion of American/ Midwestern cultural phenomena, optimism included.

Board of Directors

Massimo Bonavita
Anna Olivero
Nassim Rossi
Peggy Bocchi Hansen
Phyllis Burdette
Lynn Gaardsmoe
Stefano Follega
Anna Chernakova

Honorary members of the ICC Board of Directors:

Anna Masellis
Emanuela Corbetta
Nancy Schaeffer
Elena Wilsey
Lon Bencini

Società Dante Alighieri (DAS)

The Italian Cultural Center became a chapter of the Società Dante Alighieri on February 21, 2009. DAS was formed in Italy in 1889 with the purpose of promoting “the study of the Italian language and culture throughout the world...a purpose independent of political ideologies, national or ethnic origins or religious beliefs…” The society was named after Dante Alighieri (1265-1321), the renowned pre-Renaissance Florentine poet who is considered the father of the Italian language. In 1948 the DAS was restructured to give total autonomy to its chapters so that each could conduct its activities independently, under the direction of its own elected officers, in a manner that best suited local needs, preferences and capacities while adhering to the Society's basic principles.