Published in Gazzetta Diplomatica, News Section – December 1, 2025
Houston has been officially designated as an “Italian Capital of Creativity in the World 2026,” together with Bangkok and Belgrade, as part of the fourth edition of the award established by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy.
The winning project, submitted by the Consulate General of Italy in Houston, is titled “Lots of Italy in Houston.” It aims to highlight—through innovative tools such as an interactive app, school programs, and citywide events—the historical and contemporary contributions of Italians and Italian Americans to the cultural, scientific, medical, and technological development of Houston and Texas.
“I am very pleased with the selection of Houston as the Italian Capital of Creativity in the World 2026,” commented Vincenzo Arcobelli, representative to the CGIE (General Council of Italians Abroad) for the USA district. He added, “I have strongly supported, and continue to support, the initiative promoted by Consul General Mauro Lorenzini. The Southern United States, and especially Texas—the world’s eighth-largest economy—offer Italy extraordinary opportunities across all sectors: energy (oil & gas and renewables), aerospace, high technology, medicine, design, and increasingly, high-quality food and wine.”
In March 2026, Taste of Italy, the most important Texas-based showcase dedicated to Italian food and wine and organized by the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Texas, will take place. Numerous Italian producers will meet with American buyers and distributors.
The first quarter of 2026 will also be particularly eventful due to the National Made in Italy Day (April 15) and the many initiatives linked to the “Capital of Creativity” designation.
“With this recognition,” Arcobelli concluded, “we are not only celebrating Italian ingenuity and the perfect synergy of the Italy System in Texas, but also rewarding the originality of the project and the excellent institutional relationships built over the years. It is an important achievement that places Houston—and all of Texas—at the center of the promotion of Italian creativity and excellence in the United States throughout 2026.”