This morning, the tenth edition of the Cilento International Poetry Prize was presented in the Mario A. De Cunzo Hall at Palazzo Ruggi D'Aragona in Salerno. The event was attended by distinguished figures from the cultural and institutional world, including Raffaella Bonaudo, Superintendent of the ABAP (Italian National Association of Poetry and Literature) of Salerno and Avellino, and Menotti Lerro, poet and writer as well as the Prize's Artistic Director. The prize is a prestigious award that honors both Italian and international poets, writers, and artists.
An Award That Enhances the Cultural Identity of Cilento
During the presentation, Raffaella Bonaudo emphasized how the Cilento Poetry Award functions as a powerful vehicle for cultural promotion for the Salerno area and the entire province. This initiative promoted by the Ministry of Culture aims to compare the cultural identity of Cilento with the broader international intellectual panorama, thus highlighting its specificities and distinctive characteristics.
Origins and Growth of the Cilento Poetry Award
Born in 2017 in Salento, the Cilento Poetry Award was conceived by Menotti Lerro and is now internationally recognized for the prestige of the awarded poets. The synergy established with the Superintendence has contributed to its international impulse, making Cilento a significant cultural epicenter thanks to the Movimento dell'Empatismo.
The International Turning Point
Since 2022, thanks to funding from the Ministry of Culture, the Award has taken on an international dimension. This evolution has occurred within a broader project aimed at promoting Italian culture and language abroad. Rosa Maria Vitola stated that the project aims to consolidate awareness of the cultural value of Italy and Cilento, both at home and around the world.
Awards Ceremony and Gala Evening
The award committee, composed of experts in the cultural sector, has announced the winners of this edition. Among the winners are Enrico Testa for poetry and Jon Fosse, winner of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Literature, for fiction. The awards ceremony will take place on October 10 at the Sala Teatro Pasolini in Salerno and will feature prominent guests, including actor Renato De Rienzo and pianist Carmine Padula. The event will be open to the public, but with limited seating.
