Regione Puglia, the Italian Cultural Institute and Accademia Apulia announce a calendar of one-off events in London showcasing the Made-in-Puglia creative excellence. The initiative aims to introduce the best expressions of culture, art, creativity and cuisine from Puglia to the international community. The series of events will unfold between the 16th and 21st of July 2012, across a number of exciting venues in central London.

Guest of honour: Nancy Dell'Olio.

London x June 2012 - Regione Puglia, the Italian Cultural Institute in London and Accademia Apulia UK announced today a calendar of exclusive and one-off events to take place in July in central London, showcasing the Made-in-Puglia creative excellence.

The initiative, called “Home, my Place in the World”, is aimed at introducing the international community to the best expressions of culture, art, creativity and cuisine from one of the most beautiful and traditional regions in Italy.

The series of events will unfold between the 16th and 21st of July 2012, across a number of exciting venues in central London, including La Galleria Pall Mall and the Italian Cultural Institute.

Taking centre stage will be the homonymous art exhibition ‘Home, My Place in the World’ hosted at La Galleria Pall Mall, which will be opened with a private viewing on 17th July. Guest of honour of the evening will be Apulia’s ambassador Nancy Dell'Olio.

Curated by the art critic Lia De Venere, the contemporary art show will display paintings, sculptures, photographs, installations and videos focused on the theme of ‘homeland’.

Giving tribute to the concepts of identity, nomadism, home and mother country, the exhibition will showcase works of art of some of the most representative Apulian artists.

Other key events will take place in the renowned Italian Cultural Institute in London, including:

- A Jazz concert by the outstanding composer and interpreter Dario Skepisi (18th July - 6.30pm) where guests will enjoy a live performance by the celebrated artist from Bari and his band.

- A screening of the blockbuster comedy 'Che bella giornata', presented by Apulia Film Commission (19th July - 7.00pm) , followed by a Q&A session with director Gennaro Nunziante and actor Checco Zalone.

- A fashion show by premium quality fashion designer Nico Didonna (20th July - 7.00pm).

- Finally, Apulian excellence will celebrate its week of exclusive events with Puglia Festa (21st July – 7.00pm), a live performance of folk music and dance by Tarantula Garganica. A group who evoke the sound and rhythm of their homeland Puglia.

The full programme of events that will highlight and emphasise the creativity and virtuosity that Puglia offers today, is available on the Accademia Apulia website: http:// www.accademiapulia.org.

“Home, my Place in the World” has been funded by Regione Puglia, Department of Welfare, ‘Pugliesi nel Mondo’, Sistema Puglia and the Internationalisation Department, Program 2012.