Italian archaeology abroad day

ANSA

The Day of Italian Archaeology Abroad was held in Rome. The initiative promoted by the Farnesina and Roma Capitale was attended by foreign ambassadors, academics and 180 mission directors, with the aim of exchanging best practices to enhance a key sector of Italian cultural diplomacy. The Foreign and Culture Ministers, Antonio Tajani and Gennaro Sangiuliano, and the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella attended the event as well. Tajani highlighted the crucial role of archaeologists in "our foreign policy, which is composed like a large mosaic," citing the "246 missions" of research and excavations "in 37 Unesco sites last year." The mission leaders attested that Italy is appreciated worldwide for its excellence in this field. Not only in areas where it has an established tradition, such as the Mediterranean and the Middle East, but also in South America, East Asia, and as far as Japan. Paolo Andrea Bartorelli, head of the UNESCO Office and Archaeological Mission, revealed that the Foreign Ministry has launched a policy of annual calls for new missions. In 2023, "over 280" proposals have been submitted, he said. He added that funding of expenses "up to 70 percent" is planned. House Culture Committee Chairman Federico Mollicone announced that Parliament will contribute to research in this area and will call experts for a hearing on innovation and digitization.