Istituto Centrale per la Grafica

The Istituto Centrale per la Grafica was awarded one of the two in kind prizes promoted by Robilant Associati. Although it is a prestigious institution, it is certainly less well-known to the general public than the famous Trevi Fountain; in fact the fountain represents the external facade of the Palazzo della Calcografie and Palazzo Poli, which house the Institute's art collections, printing works, technical library and restoration workshops.

In order to make itself known to a broader public, especially of young people, of varied education and culture - in addition to the experts, scholars and insiders, who have always known and frequented the halls of the Institute - a project has been proposed that envisages multiple activities, precisely to intercept more current interests and sensibilities.

The driving project will be the ‘Video-Art’ art competition that will select, through a blind commission, four works per year for two consecutive years, works designed to animate and dress up the side facades of the Institute's two buildings. There will also be two degree prizes (for bachelor's and master's degrees, respectively) worth €1500 and €2000; short videos will be shared to publicise and promote the Institute's heritage and activities; finally, a publication (printed and digital) will be printed dedicated to the ICG's collection of graphics and contemporary art, which is both valuable and very little known.

The ICG's participation in the Fondazione Italia Patria della Bellezza's call for participants represents an important opportunity to ensure national visibility and beyond to the proposed initiatives, together with a targeted and modern communication campaign through the renewal of all means of disseminating information (website, social media, print media), under the guidance of an established communication company.

In the words of Maura Picciau, Director of the ICG, ‘The Central Institute for Graphics is a special and mysterious place in the heart of Rome, hidden as it is behind the Trevi Fountain, the famous and luminous façade of our headquarters, Palazzo Poli. In the silence of our rooms, however, are kept masterpieces of Italian drawing and engraving from many centuries. The entire history of Italian graphics, from Botticelli to today, is represented. In addition, an intaglio print shop of great tradition is still active. All this makes us proud, and there is a great desire to make our heritage known to the widest possible public, to share its beauty. We are certain that the collaboration with the Fondazione, to realise our project with the guidance of an important communication company, will become a splendid opportunity for growth and renewal.