International School of Comics, the new artistic director is Andrea Pennacchi

Andrea Pennacchi is the new artistic director of the International School of Comics in Padua. Actor, author, playwright, theater director and writer from Padua, Pennacchi is a prominent figure in the national cultural scene, an artist who has managed to establish himself with the general public also thanks to the character of Pojana at Propaganda Live on La7 and his roles in films and TV series.

Pennacchi was chosen as the artistic director of the School because he brings with him a long experience in the world of storytelling and entertainment, combined with a deep knowledge of the territory. His artistic vision, his commitment to the diffusion of culture and his transversal approach to the arts make him the ideal figure to lead the School in a phase of growth and openness to new collaborations. The International School of Comics said: «Together with him we want to strengthen the dialogue with the city of Padua and with the entire Northeast, involving cultural, educational and entrepreneurial realities in common projects that enrich the educational offer and the students' path». Andrea Pennacchi states in this regard: «It is a task that I take on with enthusiasm because I deeply believe that every story, every drawing, every scene is a way to seek meaning in the chaos of the world. Together with the teachers, the students and the entire team of the school, I want to help cultivate views, ideas, critical spirits capable of dialoguing with our time».

Filippo Zago, administrator of the company that has managed the Padua branch of the International School of Comics since 2008, reiterates the enthusiasm of the entire team, composed of Paola Miotti, Martina Boarotto, Maria La Duca and Marta Comini: «Ours is a close-knit group with great experience. Andrea's entry represents an important opportunity to enrich the work already started, with new stimuli, visions and opportunities. Together we will increase the opportunities for teachers to express and communicate to students their great passion and professionalism. The bond with all our teachers is a priority for us and Andrea, who is an artist of great humanity, is the right person to help us highlight and interpret their needs». The International School of Comics of Padua thus continues its commitment to training future professionals of visual storytelling: in comics, illustration, animation, writing, graphics, video games and in all forms in which storytelling meets technique and becomes a profession.

The path undertaken by the Scuola di Comics also passes through the launch of Comics Battle vol. I, the first edition of the festival dedicated to comics and visual arts, which from Saturday 10 May until 7 June offers a series of meetings, workshops, game jams and networking dedicated to students, professionals and anyone curious to learn about the dynamics of this constantly evolving sector at the headquarters in via Castelfidardo in Padua. To discover up close what happens and how the world of comics, concept art and visual arts works. “Showing the behind the scenes of comics, illustration and concept art professionals is one of the main objectives of this day that inaugurates the festival - explains Paola Miotti, Communications and SMM manager of the Scuola Internazionale di Comics di Padova -, together with the desire to create opportunities for networking and collaboration with some of the most active entities in the city and beyond. Comics Battle intends to encourage meetings between students, young creatives and major players in the sector and to tell the 360-degree panorama”.