Among events geared to promote young talent, the Biennale Internazionale dei Giovani has become a fixed date on the cultural calendar. Participants come for the four corners of the world, and 5 continents.

Avid art hounds should pay a visit to "Artissima", an exhibition/art mart dedicated to contemporary and modern works. The previous event involved the participation of 70 (!) foreign galleries.

The avant-garde

The Biennale Internazionale dei Giovani came to be as a natural development of Torino's characteristic encouragement of young artistic talent. Indeed, Torino is home to a dozen young people who, without the support of groups and official art schools, are setting trends for the country and experimenting with creative expression. Such innovative language is supported by the opening of exhibition spaces dedicated to alternative art.

Design

FIAT Motor's Centro di Advanced Design della Fiat is another outlet for young talent. The center's young professionals work tirelessly to project the future relationship between art and technology. Their task is to redesign the entire auto-oriented environment; that is to say to say, to rethink concepts of urban planning and automobile science, casting an eye as well to street placards which are environmentally incompatible and ineffective.

Giorgetto Giugiaro: Torino designer

Giorgetto Giugiaro's signature can be found on a number of successful products from cameras (the Nikon F4 and F5) to watches (Seiko Speedmaster Sport) to his true passion, automobiles (Fiat's Panda and Uno, Volkswagen's Golf, Passat and Scirocco). His latest efforts have been concentrated on the Be Up, presented in Paris and ready for sale as of spring 2001: it's something halfway between a car and a scooter that is a playful approach to urban transport. It's a 2-seater vehicle constructed of aluminum and plastic with an open chassis. The doors have been replaced by aluminum tubes, while rear-window and trunk have given way to a more than ample luggage rack.

Torino by night

The city is full of places to eat well and listen to whatever music your heart desires from live, to disco, to the ethnic and alternative music of cultural centers featuring young artists. With an increasingly open mind toward international experiences and foreign influences, Torino is becoming a truly multiethnic and progressive city. One area drawing night time crowds in Torino is the zone formed by Via Sant'Agostino, Santa Teresa, San Massimo and Corso Regina Margherita.

Hot Addresses

Hafa Café
Via Sant'AgostinoTorino 23
Inspired by North African influences in the city, clients are invited to enjoy an optimal mint tea accompanied by a tasty almond "Gazelle's Horn". Also on sale are the plates, cups and other characteristic objects on display throughout the cafe and there is an entire bazaar in the basement stuffed with fabrics, lamps and carpets to the tune of Maghrebi music.

Theatrò
Via Santa Teresa 10
1000 sq. m. distributed over three floors, this antique theater has been redesigned in a high-tech vein. Diners can enjoy a fine meal in the balcony seats and apéritifs are served beside the original stage.

American Stars
Via Pietro Micca 3/a
This music-bar is also a retailer of modern Americana. All pieces on display are for sale.

Spada reale
Via Principe Amedeo 53
This restaurant boasts tasty Piedmontese and Tuscan cuisine with a comprehensive wine list. In view of its adherence to regional dishes, the restaurant has been recommended by the Slowfood association.

Café Procope
Via Juvarra 15
It's show time here, for dancers, musicians and artists. Friday is tango night, while the other evenings host art and photographic exhibitions. Live music performances are offered in the basement.