by Azarja Grasselli
The Slovenian Permanent Theater in Trieste was the setting for a landmark celebration last night, marking the 50th anniversary of the Slovenian Research Institute (Slori). The event honored the institute’s enduring legacy in fostering cultural understanding, multilingualism, and cross-border collaboration between Italy and Slovenia.
The evening featured a keynote address by Slori’s president, Sara Brezigar, who reflected on the institute’s five decades of work. Brezigar highlighted Slori’s pivotal role in regional and international projects that promote the Slovenian language and culture while fostering dialogue with other linguistic communities.
A highlight of the evening was the emphasis on Slori’s participation in the upcoming 2025 regional conference on protecting minority languages, aligning with the year when Nova Gorica and Gorizia will jointly hold the title of European Capital of Culture. This milestone, Brezigar noted, underscores the importance of institutions like Slori in bridging historical divides and strengthening ties across borders.
The celebration also underscored a broader regional commitment to multilingualism and cultural collaboration, with representatives from Friuli Venezia Giulia’s Friulian linguistic community participating in the event. Their presence symbolized the harmonious coexistence of the region’s diverse identities.
Cultural performances and reflections rounded out the evening, transforming the theater into a space where heritage, research, and community were celebrated in equal measure. For Slori, this milestone was not just a look back at its achievements but a reaffirmation of its role in shaping a more interconnected future.
