“In Sanguine Foedus. Nuovo Mondo” Unveiled at the Historic Departure Point for Millions of Italians Bound for America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NAPLES, ITALY (June 3, 2026) — The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) proudly announces its support, through its Grants Program, of In Sanguine Foedus. Nuovo Mondo, a monumental mural unveiled May 22, 2026, at the Port of Naples — the very ground from which millions of Italian emigrants departed in search of hope, work, and a future.

Situated in front of the Molo San Vincenzo, the mural was conceived by Francesco Andoli and Germana Valentini and brought to life in striking black and white by Neapolitan artist Vittorio Valiante, in collaboration with Inward, the National Observatory on Urban Creativity. The project was made possible through the support of the Central Tyrrhenian Sea Port Authority and the contributions of partnering organizations.

Spanning approximately 1,000 square meters, the mural portrays the faces of real men, women, and children — reconstructed through historical photographs and family memories. Each figure tells an actual story, accessible via a QR code that allows visitors to discover biographies, personal testimonies, and individual migration journeys. Drawing on records from the Fondazione Banco di Napoli and American archival databases, the work brings to life those who once stood at this very port, on the threshold of a crossing that would help shape the character of a nation. The imagery deliberately echoes the exhibitions at Ellis Island, honoring both ends of that historic journey: the port of departure and the harbor of arrival.

Running through the entire composition is a red thread — a universal symbol of the bond between those who left and those who stayed, recalling the threads many families held in their hands on the day of farewell, keeping them as a living memory of love and roots. The red thread also carries a deeper resonance: it evokes the blood of San Gennaro, patron saint of Naples and protector of its emigrants, uniting the old world and the new.

That thread will not end in Naples. A second mural, titled In Sanguine Foedus. Il Santo, is planned for Little Italy in New York City, depicting San Gennaro reinterpreted in a contemporary yet deeply traditional way. Together, the two works will form a single visual story that crosses time, space, and generations — a transatlantic dialogue between Naples and New York across more than a century of shared history.

According to the most recent U.S. Census, approximately 17 million Americans identify as Italian American — a figure widely regarded by demographers and cultural organizations as a significant undercount, given that Italian was removed as a standalone census category, requiring respondents to write it in by hand. Experts estimate the true number of Americans of Italian descent to be closer to 20 to 25 million.

The May 22 opening ceremony was attended by NIAF Vice Chair International Joseph D. Gulino, Esq., who represented the Foundation at this historic milestone, alongside U.S. Consul General to Naples Terrence Flynn, promoters Francesco Andoli and Germana Valentini, Eliseo Cuccaro, President of the Central Tyrrhenian Sea Port Authority, and Luca Borriello, Director of Inward. Recently, NIAF Chairman John Calvelli and President and CEO Robert Allegrini traveled to Naples to see In Sanguine Foedus. Nuovo Mondo firsthand — a visit that underscores the Foundation’s deep commitment to projects that bridge Italy and the United States through art, memory, and cultural exchange.

“This mural is a powerful testament to the enduring bond between Italy and the United States, and to the millions of men and women whose courage built a nation. NIAF is honored to support work that ensures their stories are never forgotten,” said Allegrini.

As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its independence, the memory of Italian emigration takes on an even deeper meaning. NIAF reaffirms its dedication to honoring the enduring bond between Italy and the United States — and to championing the establishment of an Immigration Museum at the Port of Naples, where that bond was first forged.

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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 NIAF Grants Program
NIAF is currently accepting applications for its next grant cycle. The deadline to apply is August 4, 2026. The program supports organizations and projects that advance Italian culture and strengthen the relationship between the United States and Italy. For eligibility requirements and application details, visit niaf.org.

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.