Nov. 12 – The Italian Association of Industrial Design (ADI), the leading association of professionals in the design industry, is becoming increasingly international to spread in the world the concepts behind the success of Italian design. Throughout the Italian Presidency of the European Union, the Brussels headquarters of the Council of the European Union will host an exhibition of the latest compositions of the Compasso d’Oro ADI Prize. This internationalization process is being developed in parallel with the ADI Design Index initiatives, ADI’s annual publication that will present on November 17 in Rome the exhibition of the 2014 edition, showcasing the best of contemporary Italian design in all sectors. “Design is one of the pillars of the Italian economy and image abroad,” said Ambassador Andrea Meloni, general manager for Italy’s promotion at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. “The ADI Design Index has added a new event in Rome, building on those already established in Milan,” commented Luciano Galimberti, ADI President, who describes the exhibition as “an example of synergy between designers and Italian manufacturers. Cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is an invaluable support to launch a cultural and economic exchange between Italy and the international dimension.” “We work side by side with ADI to strengthen direct cooperation – continues Ambassador Meloni – in Italy there are various temples of design, especially in Rome and Milan, where the Polytechnic welcomes 6000 students from all over the world.” Antonio Bernardini, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes the relationship between culture and economy: “design products hold both cultural and economic value; they engage the whole Italian system, combining creativity and production.” For Expo 2015 ADI is also launching the first edition of the Compasso d’Oro International Award, revolving around the theme of “Design for food and nutrition.” This international competition is open to designers from all over the world, and aims to offer every two years, with a different theme, an opportunity to effectively attract the attention of creative people and businesses on the elements that build the success of Italian design. (Sip)
