Lucia Parrella initiated ART INCONTRO in 1999 with the aim of encouraging cultural exchange with artists and craft practitioners in central and southern Italy. The ART INCONTRO programs are lead by Lucia, who also facilitates the practical art sessions as outlined in each itinerary.

Each ART INCONTRO program is enhanced by local art historians, artists and craft practitioners presenting lectures and practical demonstrations in a range of studios settings, craft workshops, museums and contemporary galleries. The workshop demonstrations include ceramics, printmaking, typography, weaving, paper-making, coral carving and wrought iron.

Lucia Parrella has over 15 years experience coordinating cultural and educational programs both in Australia and Italy. As an artist, Lucia’s area of interest is in drawing, printmaking and artists books, subjects that she has taught at both a tertiary and community education level. A former recipient of the Frederick May Foundation Scholarship for Italian Studies from the University of Sydney, Lucia has also worked as a resident artist in print studios in Umbria and in Venice. She has a strong and on-going connection with Napoli and the Campania area: the region of her family and cultural heritage. Her qualifications include a BA from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Creative Arts from the University of Wollongong.