About Us

The Institute for Italian & Sardinian Studies (IFISS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational, cultural, and media arts organization, founded and incorporated in 2005 in Columbus, Ohio, and is committed to providing unique educational opportunities in the arts, culture, and the media arts, include photography, videography, art, and cultural workshops for students and adults in Italy and Sardinia. IFISS facilitates opportunities for the promotion and support of independent documentary digital media, films, and videotapes and film and video makers as related to Italy and Sardinia that support our mission and values.

IFISS's primary goal is to provide students and adults with an Italian and/or Sardinian cross-cultural experience through art, culture, or media. The aim is that students and individuals will gain both a life and educational experience.

Mission Statement

IFISS's mission is to spark in students and adults of all ages a life-long interest in understanding the interconnectedness of all people and help them become more culturally aware so they are better able to contribute as effective and involved citizens in today's global society.

We believe that a cross-cultural experience is the key to sparking this understanding. If we can give students and adults of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge of other people - their culture, their way of life, their language, and their land - we are helping in the development of a better citizen who can see the implications of our interconnected world.

Our goals for the IFISS experience include: