(VEE) ROME QUADRIENNALE TAKES CENTRE STAGE IN CHINA

(VELINO) Roma, 4 Jul - The Rome Quadriennale was presented for the first time abroad by the Italian Embassy in Beijing with an event organised by the Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute (IIC), which was also attended by the chairman of the Quadriennale Foundation, Franco Bernabe'. The Quadriennale d'Arte, now at its 16th edition, is entitled "Altri tempi, altri miti" ("Other times, other myths") and involves eleven curators for ten sections, 99 artists and 150 pieces. It will be held in Rome's Palazzo delle Esposizioni from October 13 this year to January 8, 2017. The Beijing presentation was attended by more than a hundred guests, including representatives from major museums and galleries, collectors and exhibition curators. Among them was the deputy director of the National Museum of China, Chen Lusheng. "The Quadrienniale will showcase the Italian style and its capacity for innovation. I'm certain that the Chinese public, which is growing increasingly sophisticated and attentive to quality, will appreciate better than others the artists' works and their Italian style," said Ettore Sequi, Italian Ambassador to China, during his opening remarks. He added: "Italy is a museum and a laboratory, tradition and innovation, and the exhibition will give a voice to this magical mix." "China is more important than any other country for building relations in the cultural field," added Mr Bernabe', who highlighted the role that art plays in Italian society and economy. "Italian art is a widespread phenomenon that is part of our country's traditional culture. In every part of Italian society, there's a piece of art." During the presentation, the speakers invited the Chinese public to visit the Rome Quadrienniale and, also in the same period, the Architecture Biennale in Venice - which will run until November 27 - and the Milan Design Triennale. The three events were highlighted in China as part of a vast promotion programme for "Brand Italy" ("Sistema Italia"), a comprehensive series of initiatives to promote Italy's image and cultural, scientific, technological, and productive points of excellence. The Art Quadrienniale is the only public exhibition exclusively dedicated to contemporary Italian art. Its revival was strongly supported by Italy's Minister of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism, Dario Franceschini. vel
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