Italian Way
Perth Named Capital of Italian Creativity in the World 2025
Roots, creativity, and innovation are the pillars of Italian Way, the flagship festival launched by the Consulate of Italy in Perth and winner of the third edition of the prestigious Capitals of Italian Creativity in the World competition, promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture.
For the first time, the title has been awarded to Perth, capital of Western Australia, in recognition of the city’s strong and dynamic connection with Italy—built on excellence, innovation, and the outstanding contribution of the Italian community to the region’s growth and development.
A Year-Long Festival Across the City
Starting in March 2025, Italian Way will feature 15 major events between March and July, alongside a wide range of additional initiatives continuing through the end of the year. Developed in partnership with leading public and private stakeholders, the program will foster collaboration between Italy and Western Australia across key sectors such as business, science, culture, and education—“in the name of creativity and innovation.”
The first highlight will be the Italian Session at EXA – Energy Exchange Australia (March 11–13), Australia’s premier event for emerging technologies in energy and resources. Organized with the support of the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Western Australia, the initiative will showcase Italian companies, research institutions, and industrial champions committed to sustainability and high-impact innovation.
Innovation and Sustainability
Design and Architecture
Creativity will take center stage at Perth Design Week (March 20–27) with guest of honour Mario Cucinella, internationally renowned architect and curator of the Italian Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025. As part of Italian Design Day, Cucinella will present original installations and a special exhibition on sustainable architecture, featuring iconic Italian design brands such as Molteni.
Culture, Music, and Contemporary Art
On April 22, acclaimed historian Alessandro Barbero will deliver a keynote lecture at the University of Western Australia on the legacy and meaning of Italy’s unification.
Contemporary art will be represented by internationally acclaimed artist Paola Pivi, whose large-scale installations will be on view at the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) starting in June—her first-ever exhibition in Perth.
On March 26, the evocative Quarry Amphitheatre will host an immersive concert by Alessandro Martire, known as the “pianist of nature.” His performance will be a prelude to the Italian Music Week in July, featuring over 20 musicians from the Vecchi-Tonelli Conservatory of Modena and Carpi, led by pianist and director Giuseppe Fausto Modugno.
Sport and Italian Lifestyle
October will be marked by the Italian Consul Cup, a sailing regatta on the Swan River celebrating the values of teamwork, excellence, and friendship between Italy and Western Australia. That evening, the Royal Perth Yacht Club will host Everlasting Italian Beauty, a signature gala night dedicated to the finest expressions of Italian creativity in fashion, music, design, and craftsmanship.
A Journey Through Heritage and Vision
The festival will culminate in a major event at the end of July, featuring a special guest and celebrating the richness of Italian heritage around the world. Italian Way will serve as a platform for a new generation of Italian professionals and a vibrant expression of the community’s cultural legacy—transforming Perth into a global stage for Italian creativity in all its forms.
A Message from the Consul
“Italian Way will turn Perth into an international showcase of Italian excellence and culture. A grand celebration of creativity, innovation, and sustainability—capable of inspiring a growing passion for Italy, strengthening the role of Made in Italy in WA’s economic diversification, and building lasting partnerships between one of the world’s great industrial powers and one of the richest regions on the planet in critical minerals and natural resources.”
— Sergio Federico Nicolaci, Consul of Italy in Perth