Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Inspiring the Future.
Italian literature has a long history of creativity, passion, and engaging storytelling, reflecting Italy’s rich cultural heritage. The Italian language is the fourth most studied in the world. It is firmly rooted in Latin but richly encrusted by history with French, Spanish, German, and Arabic terms.
Some well-known authors, like Jhumpa Lahiri, have found it so beautiful not only to learn the language but also to write directly in Italian as well as in their mother tongue. Italian literary production, beyond the classics, is finally being fully appreciated abroad thanks to the translating efforts of a few courageous publishing companies and the increasing global impact of literary prizes.
Despite their inevitable commercial overtones, literary awards are, in today’s world, pivotal for discovering new authors, some of whom eventually become household names. Most importantly, literary awards offer writers a unique opportunity to exercise their imagination, not only in creating plots but also, in many cases, in a bright, new use of the language itself.
The Legacy of Premio Strega
Premio Strega, established in 1947 by Maria and Goffredo Bellonci, is undoubtedly Italy’s most prestigious literary award. Named after the Strega liqueur produced by Guido Alberti, one of the award’s benefactors, it recognizes the best Italian novels, thus shaping the literary landscape of the country.
Each year, a selection of novels competes for the coveted prize, and the winner is decided by a jury of literary experts, including authors, publishers, and critics. The influence of Premio Strega has been profound, launching the careers of numerous Italian writers and solidifying their place in Italian literature. Famous winners include Elsa Morante, Alberto Moravia, Umberto Eco, and Paolo Cognetti, whose works have not only captivated Italy but have also reached international audiences. The award has been, and still is, nurturing national literary excellence, encouraging the exploration of delicate, complex themes.
The Innovation of Premio Calvino
In stark contrast to Premio Strega’s celebration of established authors, Premio Calvino focuses on discovering new voices and experimental storytelling. Founded in 1985 in Turin, this award is dedicated to the memory of Italo Calvino, a renowned Italian writer known for his innovative and imaginative works. Premio Calvino seeks to identify, nurture, and promote emerging writers who bring fresh perspectives and unique styles to the literary scene.
The competition is open to unpublished manuscripts, providing a platform for aspiring authors to showcase their talent. Over the years, Premio Calvino has unearthed a wealth of literary gems, pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling and challenging the standards of Italian literature.
Match Point: Italian Literature in London
Match Point is an ambitious initiative aimed at creating a unique space for Italian-language writers in the UK. Spearheaded by Il Circolo London, a cultural association dedicated to promoting Italian arts and culture in the UK, this prize, now in its fourth year, takes place in London and offers a platform to budding Italian writers who are residents in the UK to display their talent in short storytelling.
The name was chosen as a symbol of what the competition aims to be: a ‘’Match point’’, a pivotal moment for the ambitions of new, hopeful writers.
Il Circolo chooses a theme every year for the competitors to mull over. In 2025, the theme will be travel – ‘’Buon Viaggio’’- not only the physical kind but also as a metaphor for life experiences.
Having recognised that they share similar objectives, Match Point and Premio Calvino will collaborate in 2025, offering further opportunities for new writing produced in the vibrant Italian community in Great Britain.
Literary awards and competitions like Premio Strega, Premio Calvino, and new initiatives like Match Point play a crucial role in keeping Italian literature alive globally. They provide a stage for both established and emerging writers to share their stories, ensuring that the rich tradition of Italian storytelling continues to thrive in Italy and abroad.
By honouring the best novels, discovering new voices, and creating unique spaces for literary production outside of Italy, these initiatives contribute to the vibrancy and diversity of Italian literature. They celebrate the past, embrace the present, and inspire the future, showcasing the timeless power of Italian storytelling.
For further information on Premio Calvino, here is the link.
For further information on the Match Point competition, check the Match Point page.
