FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Natalie Wulderk
nwulderk@niaf.org
+1-202-939-3117

(Washington, D.C. – June 25, 2019) The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is pleased to announce, for the fourth year, it is funding a scholarship in partnership with Accademia Teatro alla Scala, one of the most renowned institutions for training professionals in the performing arts, and Politecnico di Milano Graduate School of Business (MIP), an internationally recognized management school. The full-tuition scholarship of €17,500 (approximately $20,000) will be awarded to an Italian American graduate student who is seeking a Master’s Degree in Performing Arts Management. Deadline for online applications is September 4, 2019.

The 20-month program in English begins November 2019 and concludes in June 2021 with 1,500 hours of education and training. A three-to-six-month internship at performing arts institutions throughout Italy and abroad is an integral part of the program. The internship also provides students with networking opportunities for future employment. The teaching staff of the program includes 100 specialists in theatre and management who work with performing arts institutions in Italy and abroad.

“In recent years, NIAF’s leadership has focused on scholarships, grants, and partnerships that introduce young Italian Americans to world-renowned institutions in both Italy and the United States,” said NIAF Chair Gabriel A. Battista. “This exceptional scholarship is just one of many that NIAF offers to fulfill our mission of empowering the next generation of Italian Americans.”

“There is no better way for these students to build their professional experience in the performing arts than to be a part of one of the most important cultural establishments in the world,” NIAF Chair Patricia de Stacy Harrison. “We are proud to be able to provide this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to a member of the Italian American community.”

The program is open to 35 participants and includes classroom meetings, exercises and simulations, direct theatre experience and a final project. The curriculum topics include: cultural policy; community engagement; human resources and company organization; performing arts marketing; communication and advertising; theatre arts and trades; contract negotiation, management of production, tour and orchestra management and many others.

The program is also offered in collaboration with Piccolo Teatro di Milano with the advocacy of Opera Europa, an international service organization representing more than 150 renowned opera houses and festivals.

“The National Italian American Foundation is extremely proud to be partnering with prestigious institutions such as Accademia Teatro alla Scala and MIP. For centuries, Italians have been at the forefront of the arts and the Foundation is honored to offer this incredible opportunity to a young, talented Italian American,” said NIAF Director of Scholarships, Grants and Youth Engagement Julia Streisfeld.

To be considered for the full-tuition scholarship, applicants must complete the application below and be accepted to the Master’s Degree in Performing Arts Management. The scholarship recipient will be chosen from a pool of applicants accepted to the program. No additional application must be completed.

Deadline to apply: September 4, 2019
For additional information on the program, visit: https://bit.ly/2UPLpsp.
To apply to the program, visit: https://bit.ly/2RypDsk.
To visit the Foundation’s webpage about the scholarship, visit: https://bit.ly/2FsSv0c.

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The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to preserving, promoting and protecting the Italian American heritage and culture. To learn more about the Foundation and become a member, please visit www.niaf.org.