Memorandum of Understanding Establishes Framework for Cultural, Educational, and Economic Exchange Between Italy and the United States

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAPRI, ITALY (June 5, 2026) — The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) and the City of Capri have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a long-term partnership dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural legacy shared between the island and the United States. The signing ceremony took place on the island of Capri on June 2–3, 2026, under the auspices of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the support of the Port Authority of Naples, as part of the Campania Divina regional initiative.

The MOU was signed by Mayor Paolo Falco, assisted by Assessor Salvatore Ciuccio, and NIAF Board Chairman John F. Calvelli, assisted by NIAF President & CEO Robert Allegrini. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to deepening cultural, educational, and economic ties between Capri and the Italian American community, with a particular focus on expanding tourism beyond peak season and strengthening the island’s international institutional connections.

The MOU commits both parties to a program of joint cultural events and initiatives that highlight the history and traditions of Capri within the Italian American community; educational exchange programs developed in partnership with local institutions to transmit Italian heritage to future generations; and economic collaboration connecting Italian American business leaders with Capri’s entrepreneurial community to foster investment and opportunity on both sides of the Atlantic. The partnership will remain in effect for three years, renewable by mutual agreement.

“This partnership reflects exactly what NIAF was founded to do — build bridges between the Italian American community and the country our families came from. Capri is one of the most iconic expressions of Italian culture in the world, and we are proud to ensure its history and traditions remain alive and vibrant for generations to come,” said NIAF President & CEO Robert Allegrini.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of the inaugural Capri-NIAF Award, conceived by Germana Valentini and crafted by sculptor Dante Mortet — the artist behind NIAF’s awards for its Anniversary Galas, whose bronzes have commemorated figures from Al Pacino to Ennio Morricone. The award recognizes individuals who have advanced the promotion of Italian culture, and was presented to Giuseppe Iuele, a Capri-born restaurateur who emigrated to the United States in 1983 and built one of New York’s most celebrated Italian dining destinations, La Masseria. His journey — rooted in Capri, realized in America — embodies the story of generations of Italian Americans who carried their culture with them and made it flourish. The award was accepted by his daughter Gabriella. The event was organized by Carmen Pisano, the municipality’s coordinator of major events.

In a further tribute to the bonds between Capri and the Italian American community, Mortet took a cast of the hand of Ida Di Pinto — a 100-year-old Capri native who emigrated to the United States and returned to the island to mark her centenary — to create the first sculpture in a new series, Le mani di Capri (The Hands of Capri), a work that will chronicle, hand by hand, the shared culture of craft and creativity between Capri and New York. “I have lived two lives,” Di Pinto said, “one here and one in America.”

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MEDIA CONTACT:

NIAF:
Gabriella Mileti
Director of Special Programs and PR
202-939-3116
gmileti@niaf.org

Barabino & Partners USA:
Marco Lastrico
Partner – CEO
212-308-8710
m.lastrico@barabinousa.com

About the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit founded in 1975. NIAF is the largest representative of the more than 20 million Italian American citizens in the United States, dedicated to celebrating and advancing the inspiring achievements and uplifting values of Italian culture and presence in America, and to strengthening ties between the United States and Italy. For more information, visit NIAF.org.