About
Fondazione Azzurra is a 501(c)(3) organization, founded in 2006, whose mandate is to promote Italian culture and language through fostering relations with cultural institutions in the United States, and in particular, to facilitate connections between the people of Italy and the United States on the common ground of culture in whatever form it might take, from cinema to cuisine. The Fondazione Azzurra’s founding board members have diversified backgrounds ranging from higher education instruction, academic leadership, law, business management, music and art. Guided by its distinguished board, the Foundation organizes cultural events, highlights and showcases the contributions of Italian culture and its artistic achievements by hosting cultural events such as film festivals, photography and fine art exhibits.
Because we understand culture as a vehicle for advancing the cause of human dignity and diverse modes of expression, we work with universities, museums, theaters and other foundations to develop programs that engage all aspects of art and culture. We partner with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the University of Southern California (USC), Pepperdine University, and California State University Long Beach. The Foundation seeks opportunities to share the accomplishments of prominent as well as younger members and to serve as an agent in bringing diverse talents together on behalf of shared enterprises.
The goal of preserving and promoting the study of the Italian language is based on collaboration with public and private schools. The Fondazione’s primary endeavor is to incorporate Italian language instruction into the regular curriculum and into extra-curricular activities in both private and public institutions from kindergarten through high school. The Fondazione Azzurra has on-going relationships with private and public schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District providing assistance in developing Italian language classes and offering needed teaching materials. To assure the program’s continuity the Fondazione identifies qualified and highly trained instructors of the Italian language, upon request.
