History
Il Circolo was established in 1995 by a group of friends and eventually evolved into a charitable organisation with the primary aim of funding worthy cultural activities and deserving students’ projects. Il Circolo raises its financial resources by organising regular events that promote Italian culture in the UK. In the span of 25 years, the charity has awarded over 200 scholarships, donated more than £500.000, and sustained the Italian chair at Somerville College, Oxford for numerous years. The Italian Christmas Market, held at the Chelsea Old Town Hall in early December, is Il Circolo’s traditional and foremost fundraising event.
Some of the previously supported projects included research on neurodegenerative diseases led by Professor Maria Grazia Spillantini at Cambridge University, studies on autoimmune diseases by Professor Pitzalis at Queen Mary University in London, as well as a restoration project at the Italian Cultural Institute and a tutoring restoration project at the Italian Embassy.
What We Do
Il Circolo provides support yearly to several initiatives, including:
- Italy Made Me Awards, promoted by the Italian Embassy
- Fill (Festival of Italian Literature in London)
- A student at the Royal College of Music (Contribution to annual fees)
- A student at the Royal School of Ballet (Contribution to annual fees)
Among its regular activities, Il Circolo has a Book Club to read and discuss international books, an Art Club to visit museums and exhibitions with an expert guide, and a French Club where French-speaking members meet up for various activities. Il Circolo organises at least two exclusive live events monthly for its membership, usually meetings with famous Italian writers, journalists, and artists. Il Circolo Giovani was recently added to focus on the under-40 members, creating events that better fit their interests and lifestyle. Il Circolo also supports ad hoc events like concerts, theatre shows and film premieres.
Since 2022, Il Circolo has been the main organiser of MatchPOiNT, a yearly literary competition for unpublished short stories in Italian under the high patronage of the Italian Consulate. The competition is part of Vivere All’Italiana, the integrated promotion events sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s foreign network; the awards ceremony is an integral part of the Settimana della Lingua Italiana nel mondo. This year, Match Point reaches its fifth edition, and we warmly welcome the title “Ricordi,” reflecting on shared memories and experiences.
Il Circolo is a member of two of the leading Italian Associations in the UK: the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the UK and Confassociazioni UK.
Our 2026 Commitment: “Innovation and knowledge”
As in 2025, our 2026 commitment focuses on Innovation and Knowledge, highlighting the importance of these two core values. In past years, our themes have addressed key issues such as The Future That Awaits Us in 2024 and Mental Health in 2023.
Patrons
Mrs Flaminia Battistelli Cassese, The Spouse of H.E. the Ambassador of Italy
The Duchess of Somerset
Board Members
Simona Spreafico – Chair
Belinda Aylmer
Raffaella Cappello
Etta De Benedetti Carnelli
Francesca Di Fiore
Alessandra Gnudi
Paola Guariglia
Anna Quaranta
Marina Vergani
Board Advisers
Vincenzo Cappelluto
Marina Fazzari
Gianluigi Ballarani