pokkoli

The Cultural Association “OFFICINA CULTURALE POKKOLI & CO.” operates in the field of international cultural exchange. Its aim is to promote communication and understanding among the peoples of the world through the study of varied cultural expressions. Since 2005, it has operated in the “TUSCIA” province of Viterbo( Northern Lazio/Italy).

If you enjoy authentic cultural experiences off the beaten track in a unique setting you may apply to join our association, "Officina Culturale Pokkoli & Co." by sending a request for membership to the president in order to participate in our activities.

Our members organize workshops, seminars and courses for other members interested in : 1) foreign language learning, 2) getting acquainted with a new culture 3) pursuing individual or group projects in Italy.

The Cultural Association "Officina Culturale Pokkoli & Company will be organizing Italian language and culture workshops during 2008 -2009, targeted to varied needs: groups or individuals wishing to study Italian language or culture, and individuals pursuing independent research or artistic projects who would like to experience authentic Italy in Tuscia


Why choose TUSCIA?
Tuscia, north of Rome, nestled in between Tuscany and Umbria is an area untouched by mass tourism, where life still flows slowly following the rhythm of the seasons. Rich in environmental beauties and in sites of historic and artistic interest, it abounds in fascinating itineraries for people who enjoy hiking in the great outdoors,or visiting museums, villas, vineyards, and mysterious archaeological sites. With its varied cuisine based on the local products of the Cimini Hills, of its volcanic lakes Bolsena and Vico, and of its nearby coast, Tuscia has much to offer those who enjoy fine wines and elegant dining, or those who prefer rustic meals cooked on the coals at a local tavern.

In TUSCIA you'll find Pre Etruscan- Etruscan – Roman archaeological sites in astonishing natural contexts;
medieval walled towns and villages clustered on hilltops surrounded by wild gorges;
solitary towers, churches and abbeys;
late Renaissance and baroque palaces, gardens and villas among the most beautiful in Italy;
sculpture gardens by famous contemporary artists such as The Tarot Garden of Niki de Saint Phalle (between the Province of Grosseto in Tuscany and the Province of Viterbo) and “La Serpara” (Civitella d’Agliano VT);
hot sulphur springs in the countryside for a relaxing dip;a celebrated thermal spa and beauty farm in Viterbo “Terme dei Papi;" woods, volcanic lakes (Bolsena and Vico), picturesque and sublime landscapes; a cornucopia of local food products in all seasons: olive oil, pasta, sausages and prosciutto, sheep cheese, mushrooms (porcini), chestnuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, artichokes, traditional sweets, lake and sea fish, white and red wines (Est, Est, Est, Orvieto, Aleatico di Gradoli, Vignanello, Grechetto)

Members of the “OFFICINA CULTURALE POKKOLI & CO.”
can enjoy authentic cultural experiences in a unique context. Workshops are led by highly-qualified members: instructors and professors whose cultural background ranges from literary translation, creative writing (fiction, non fiction, poetry) to linguistics, cultural anthropology, gastronomy and fine arts.

We suggest four types of experiences: 1) workshops for small groups, 2) guided individual study of language and culture with an instructor, 3) intensive study for two ( ideal for couples or friends travelling together) with instructor, and 4) individual projects in any field.


1. Italian language for small groups of members (all levels)
7 day workshop in Italian language and culture, beginning Sunday evenings with a welcome reception.
Includes: 16 hours Italian language instruction; 8 hours Italian culture seminar with three gastronomic workshops:
1 oil tasting; 1 wine tasting; 1 cooking lesson
Ending Sunday morning.
Lodging : with full board in local hotels

2. Individual Study: Italian language and/or culture
For members wishing to study Italian language/culture individually with instructor.
5 day workshop, beginning Friday evenings with a welcome reception
Includes: 16 hours Italian language instruction; 8 hours Italian culture seminar with three gastronomic workshops:1 oil tasting, 1 wine tasting, 1 cooking lesson
Ending Wednesday morning.
Lodging: in rentals

3. Italian language and culture for two
Bring a partner or a friend for an intensive workshop studying Italian language/culture with instructor
Includes: 16 hours Italian language instruction; 8 hours Italian culture seminar with three gastronomic workshops:1 oil tasting, 1 wine tasting, 1 cooking lesson
Ending Wednesday morning.
Lodging in rentals

4. Assistance and support for individual projects
Workspace /Studio space for individual project available
Optional participation in 8 hours cultural/language seminar with three gastronomic workshops: 1 oil tasting, 1 wine tasting, 1 cooking lesson

Are you interested in organizing a workshop of your own in Tuscia?
Assistance and support for group projects organized by members: Centro Pokkoli has helped organize workshops for groups of members from the University of Houston, Converse College, the Kenyon Review, and others. If you are interested in organizing a workshop for members in Tuscia, or bringing a group to Tuscia for a cultural workshop, please contact us.

In the past our Association has organized workshops in literary translation, workshops in adapting texts for the theatre, theatre labs with final performance and video production, geo biology feng shui workshops “exploring the undercurrents of Tuscia”, writers and artist retreats, spirit of place creative writing workshops, genus locii of Tuscia workshops, poetry readings, art exhibitions, food and wine workshops, Italian language workshops, video installations.