New York will once again become a showcase for young Italian creativity on October 9, 2026, when the Italian Cultural Institute at 686 Park Avenue hosts the third edition of Food and Future – Italian Video Art Contest at 6:00 PM. Admission is free.
Created by Pensiero Mediterraneo, founded in 2025 by Stefano Prior and Luigi Capone, the project brings together Italy and the United States through contemporary art, food and Made in Italy.
Twelve finalist videos, each about 3 minutes long, will represent the Fine Arts Academies of Bari, Lecce and Naples – 4 works from each institution. Food_and_Future_III_Edizione_20…
Food and Future first arrived in New York in 2024 at NYU’s Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò. The 2025 edition moved to the Italian Cultural Institute, which will again host the event this year. The Institute’s official program confirms the October 9 date, the 12 finalists and the participation of the three Italian academies.
The jury, chaired by Davide Ippolito, includes figures working between Italy and the United States in art, film, design, journalism and culture. It will award the Food and Future 2026 prize – a plaque and €500. Terza_Edizione_Food_and_Future_…
A major addition this year strengthens the Italy–U.S. connection. With support from the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium, the New York audience will select an Honorable Mention Award. Its winner will have the opportunity to create a documentary video for the Consortium, with travel, accommodations and meals provided. Terza_Edizione_Food_and_Future_…
The evening will conclude with another unmistakably Italian moment – Chef Fabio Manfredi will traditionally open a wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano, followed by a tasting of Made in Italy products.
From Italian art schools to Manhattan, Food and Future gives a new generation the opportunity to tell American audiences what Italian food, identity and creativity mean today.
