About Us
We are a group of people from Canberra with a passion for all things Italian - the Viva Italia in Canberra Association.
Inspired by many other successful Italian Festivals conducted throughout Australia, we decided that Canberra would be a great city in which to celebrate and promote all things Italian.
Italy is well-known for its architecture, culture, art, opera, literature, film, fashion, tradition, technology, innovation and of course food and wine.
For Viva Italia in Canberra we have designed a program which will attract local and interstate visitors with diverse cultural backgrounds who will come to enjoy the authentic Italian experience.
The Italian community in Canberra has a rich history, dating back to the post-World War II period when many Italian migrants settled in the city.
Over the years, the Italian community has made significant contributions to the cultural, social, and economic life of Canberra, and has become an integral part of the city's fabric.
We would strongly encourage participation of the ACT community in these events.
Our Aims
The Viva Italia in Canberra festival is dedicated to celebrating and promoting Italian culture, community and heritage in Canberra and surrounding areas.
Our aims are to:
Showcase all things Italian, through Italian themed events and experiences for the whole family to enjoy
Develop and promote Italian programs, festivals and events that celebrate everything Italian including, but not limited to its traditions, gastronomy, culture, art, music, dance, sport, opera, innovation and technology, etc. to the broader community
Collaborate with all agencies and organisations in the Canberra region to promote and support Italian cultural awareness in the broader community
Honour the Italian migrant community and their contributions to the community by embracing their history and celebrating their achievements
Do all things necessary to showcase, promote and support Italian heritage and culture in the Canberra and surrounding region
Raise funds to establish and support study scholarships in Italy for ANU students studying Italian Language and Culture.
ACT Events Support
The Viva Italia in Canberra Association is proud to announce that we have recently been successful with a small bid for funding from ACT Events to support our festival. The ACT Event Fund is highly competitive, and we are thrilled that our initiative has been recognised as an event that will generate positive economic and social outcomes for the Canberra region.
This financial support is a welcome spark to start off our website and pay for some promotional materials.
Fundraising
We are currently finalising arrangements around fundraising which will take place at the Gala Dinner on the 5th April 2025.
Money raised will provide a scholarship for an ANU student of Italian Language and Culture to travel and study at the University for Foreigners in Siena.
This is currently being discussed with the head of Italian Studies at the ANU Francesco Ricatti, and the head of the University for Foreigners in Siena. We will release this information when the details are finalised.
Donations
If you would like to donate an item or service to our Gala Dinner Auction and Raffle, please contact our committee by email at: