About us

What We Do

Founded in London over thirty years ago, Il Circolo Italian Cultural Association is a UK registered charity dedicated to promoting Italian culture while supporting the next generation of scholars, researchers and young professionals.

Our primary mission is to raise funds to support scholarships and research awards for young scholars, researchers and emerging talent.

This is made possible through the annual subscriptions of our members and our fundraising activities, particularly the Italian Christmas Market, our flagship event.

Throughout the year, Il Circolo also promotes Italian culture in the UK by organising a varied programme of cultural events and collaborating with the Italian Cultural Institute in London, the Italian Embassy and the Consulate General of Italy in London.
As part of their membership, members enjoy discounted rates on selected events while contributing directly to our charitable mission.

Cultural Events

 Among its regular activities, Il Circolo has a Book Club Mondo Nuovo to read and discuss relevant books, an Art Club to visit museums and exhibitions with an expert guide, and a French Club where French-speaking members meet for a variety of cultural activities, mostly free for members.

First launched in 1997, the Italian Christmas Market has become a much-loved annual gathering for London’s Italian and international communities, celebrating Italian culture, excellence and craftsmanship. Held at the historic Old Chelsea Town Hall on King’s Road, and under the patronage of Mrs Flaminia Battistelli Cassese, Spouse of the Ambassador of Italy, the Market brings together a curated selection of premium food, Italian delicacies and artisanal products, attracting over 1,200 visitors each year. This community project has also provided a unique opportunity to private sponsors to partner with us, gaining in visibility and outreach while promoting traditions, arts and crafts, creating a great environment for visitors and most critically for our charity.
The day culminates in an exclusive evening cocktail and charity auction, bringing together members of the Italian community, supporters and friends of Il Circolo. This special occasion provides a unique opportunity to celebrate our shared cultural heritage while raising vital funds for the Il Circolo Awards and other initiatives that promote and support Italian culture, talent and excellence in the UK.

Italian Christmas Market

First launched in 1997, the Italian Christmas Market has become a much-loved annual gathering for London’s Italian and international communities, celebrating Italian culture, excellence and craftsmanship. Held at the historic Old Chelsea Town Hall on King’s Road, and under the patronage of Mrs Flaminia Battistelli Cassese, Spouse of the Ambassador of Italy, the Market brings together a curated selection of premium food, Italian delicacies and artisanal products, attracting over 1,200 visitors each year. This community project has also provided a unique opportunity to private sponsors to partner with us, gaining in visibility and outreach while promoting traditions, arts and crafts, creating a great environment for visitors and most critically for our charity.

The day culminates in an exclusive evening cocktail and charity auction, bringing together members of the Italian community, supporters and friends of Il Circolo. This special occasion provides a unique opportunity to celebrate our shared cultural heritage while raising vital funds for the Il Circolo Awards and other initiatives that promote and support Italian culture, talent and excellence in the UK.

Il Circolo Awards

For over thirty years, the Il Circolo Awards have supported young scholars and researchers through the annual award of scholarships, primarily aimed at postgraduate students and PhD candidates undertaking research projects related to Italy, its culture, history, and international influence.

Today, Il Circolo allocates three scholarships, each worth £4,000, reflecting Il Circolo’s continued commitment to fostering academic excellence and supporting the next generation of researchers.

Research themes vary from year to year or are repeated when a particular topic attracts significant academic interest. Throughout its history, Il Circolo has proudly awarded almost £700,000 in scholarships, supporting 257 students and researchers. The value of the scholarships has increased progressively over the years, reflecting the Association’s growing investment in academic researchand excellence. Many of the recipients remain connected to the association and continue to promote Italian culture in the United Kingdom, carrying forward the mission that has inspired Il Circolo since its foundation.

Italy Made Me

Since 2016, Il Circolo has also participated in Italy Made Me, the prestigious initiative promoted by the Italian Embassy in London, by funding each year two scholarships dedicated to young Italian researchers.

Italy Made Me recognises outstanding research projects developed by scholars educated in Italy and now working at leading universities across the United Kingdom. The initiative celebrates the excellence of the Italian education system while recognising the contribution of talented young Italians abroad, whose work continues to showcase the creativity, expertise and innovation of our country.

Match POiNT

In 2022, Il Circolo launched MatchPOiNT, an annual literary competition for unpublished short stories in Italian, held under the High Patronage of the Italian Consulate.

Il Circolo is a partner of the integrated programme of cultural promotion promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The awards ceremony is an official event of the Settimana della Lingua Italiana nel Mondo.

MatchPOiNT is twinned with the prestigious Premio Italo Calvino in Turin, sharing its commitment to discovering and promoting outstanding new voices in contemporary Italian literature.

Since its launch, MatchPOiNT has received 427 applications, representing an impressive diversity of unpublished short stories. Entries are evaluated by a distinguished jury of experts in contemporary literature.

In 2023, MatchPOiNT Junior was born to extend the literary competition to younger generations, encouraging creativity, writing and the appreciation of the Italian language among children and young people.

Patrons

Mrs Flaminia Battistelli Cassese, The Spouse of H.E. the Ambassador of Italy
The Duchess of Somerset

Board Members

Simona Spreafico – Chair

Board Advisers

Gianluigi Ballarani