The Italian Cultural Institute, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Italy in Sydney, is pleased to present the cultural series “Traces of Italy – Legacies of Italians Shaping Australia’s Cultural Landscape”, which explores the legacy and lasting influence of some of the most significant Italian figures who have left their mark in Australia.
The first conference will be held by Zeny Edwards, author of the biography “Painting with Stone. The Story of the Melocco Brothers”. Pietro, Antonio, and Galliano Melocco, three brothers originally from Friuli, are known for introducing and perfecting the art of mosaic in Australia, particularly in the state of New South Wales. Their works embellish numerous public and private buildings, including the crypt of St Mary’s Cathedral, the Tasman Map at the State Library of New South Wales, and the Interstate Booking Office at Sydney’s Central Station, as well as various residential buildings and theatres.
Struck by the impact the Melocco brothers had on Australian art, architectural historian Zeny Edwards decided to recount their story in a captivating biography, which she will discuss during the conference.
Zeny Edwards is an architectural historian, award-winning biographer, and cultural heritage and human rights advocate. She has published a number of biographies and architectural histories. Zeny served in various lead roles: Immediate past-president of the Australian Council for Human Rights Education; president of the National Trust of Australia (NSW); chair of UN Women Australia (NSW), trustee of Women’s Plans Foundation and Director of the UNAA Peace Program. Currently, Zeny serves as President of the Institute for Global Peace and Sustainable Governance, Vice-president of the World Citizens Association of Australia in charge of Asia Pacific Relations and has recently accepted to be a member of the Board of Museum of Understanding Through Tolerance and Inclusion. Zeny is committed to serving the community and the preservation of heritage, which formed the basis of her citation for the Order of Australia Medal Award.
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