Tobias BIANCONE (until September 2025)

Tobias Biancone was born in Bern, Switzerland, and is of Swiss and Italian heritage. A Poet and writer, he studied in French and German literature and language, as well as the arts history, at the University of Bern/Switzerland.

His works have been published in German, English, Bangla (Bengali) Ilonggo, Tagalog, Spanish, Arabic and Russian. His collaboration with the Swiss painter Claude Sandoz was shown in the art museums of Thun and Bern (both Switzerland) and in art galleries. His dramatic work has been shown in Germany (Exhibition Opera in Bremen) and in Switzerland. He has a long history of working for the arts, lending his expertise across varied fields, including but not limited to: attaining publication for visual artists and writers, 14 volumes; and organizing a culture festivals which celebrate poetry, prose, music, cinema & theatre. He has received numerous awards and recognition for his work. He is an Honorary Professor of the Central Academy of Drama.

He served on the board of the Swiss Centre of ITI, spent six years as president of the ITI International Playwrights´ Forum, and was part of the ITI Executive Council for six years. He has been the leader of the General Secretariat since 2008 and President of the Network for Higher Education in the Performing Arts since 2014.

CHEN Zhongwen (from September 2025)

Beginning her journey as the ITI Director of Collaboration since 2014, Chen Zhongwen quickly ascended to her current role as the ITI Deputy Director-General in 2016. She now plays a pivotal role in enhancing the cohesiveness among ITI National Centres.

As Deputy Director-General, Chen Zhongwen focuses on optimizing the internal management processes, resulting in heightened operational efficiency within ITI. Her commitment extends to fostering inclusive collaboration not only among ITI members but also in establishing strategic partnerships outside the organization's scope.

Chen Zhongwen is highly committed to enhancing ITI's global visibility. Through the organization of diverse cultural events, she contributes to the promotion of performing arts and cultural diversity within ITI and in broader society. These efforts of hers not only increase ITI's global visibility, but also highlight how performing arts have the transformative power to foster understanding and appreciation among diverse communities.

Chen's passion for education drives her to deepen her involvement in the ITI-UNESCO Network for Higher Education in the Performing Arts. Currently, she holds the position of the official coordinator for this Network program under the framework of UNESCO UNITWIN Chairs & Network program. In this capacity, she oversees the Network’s growth, ensuring the inclusion of members worldwide, thereby reinforcing her dedication to global education in the performing arts.

Chen Zhongwen holds a master's degree in Education Science, specializing in lifelong learning from the Université Paris 8, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning and academic excellence. Her multilingual proficiency in Chinese, French, and English further enhances her ability to connect with a diverse global community.

During the 37th ITI World Congress, approved by the ITI General Assembly, Chen was appointed by the ITI Executive Council as the new ITI Director-General, beginning her term in September 2025.