Italian center opens at Udayana University

DENPASAR, Bali (JP): A photographic exhibition and the screening of Italian films were held in conjunction with the recent opening of the Center for Italian Studies at state Udayana University.

Udayana University rector I Ketut Sukardika said the center would be a place for Balinese scholars to learn and enhance their understanding of the culture and people of Italy.

The center was founded through the cooperation of Udayana University, the Italian Embassy in Jakarta, Universita Degli Studi Di Napoli Federico II and Universita Degli Studi Di Roma Le Sapienza.

"Italian ambassador Alessandro Merola is a keen arts lover and his excellency has helped us a lot to make this happen," Sukardika said.

Head of the Italian Cultural Center Alberto di Mauro and the Italian honorary vice consul in Bali, Giuseppe "Pino" Confessa, attended the opening ceremony on Sept. 25, held at the university's rectorate in Jimbaran, some 25 kilometers south of Denpasar.

To familiarize Balinese scholars and students with Italian landscapes and history, an exhibition of photographs was held at the university's library from Sept. 25 to Sept. 29. It displayed the works of Alinari and Anderson, who traveled across Italy documenting historical churches and monuments in the early 20th century.

"There were also presentations of several Italian movies, such as Cinema Paradiso and Ierri Oggi e Domani, that would give us another glimpse of Italian culture," Sukardika said.

Confessa said the Sartory family, known for generations as experts in traditional Italian mask-making, would visit Bali next November.

"There will be exhibitions of their works in Jakarta and Bali," he said. (zen)