The Campiello Prize: a celebration of culture

This year, the Campiello Prize presents us with a selection of works representing the best of contemporary fiction, evidence of a creative vivacity that knows no boundaries. The finalist authors, with their stories, accompany us on extraordinary journeys, exploring the nuances of the human soul, the contradictions of our time, the dreams and hopes that unite us. The selected works recount the reality of our country.
In a world where the din often overpowers the whisper of reflection, the Campiello Prize invites us to rediscover the value of inner silence, of time devoted to reading, of the depth that only a good book can offer. The presentation of the finalists is not only an acknowledgement of literary quality, but also an invitation to look beyond the immediate, to question ourselves about our present and the future we wish to build. Literature, in fact, has the power to transform reality, to offer new perspectives, to nourish the soul with the beauty and wisdom we so badly need. At a time when we are overwhelmed by events and information, literature endures. In these times full of chaos and contradictions, storytelling becomes our compass: in books, we often find a relationship with reality, a focus on history and the history of the people who inhabit it, but also an exaltation of pure imagination. In these moments of fragmentation and micro-fractures, thanks to literature we are able to glimpse the light: the novel is able to unify, because writing is tailoring work, made of weft, needle and thread.
Work and creativity, in fact, are brothers, and that is why, in the full spirit of the Campiello, it is important to continue to valorise this relationship, to bring work and culture, together, to the top.
It is increasingly necessary to be aware that with culture we feed our territories. Our lands must be continually enhanced and preserved, keeping in mind important and necessary issues such as sustainability and inclusion, and making them attractive to the many young brains and workers who are increasingly leaving our country.
Culture makes a place not only habitable, but also liveable, rich in meaning and identity. Culture, in all its forms and manifestations, is the lifeblood that nourishes territories, shapes their character and defines their soul. It is not an abstract or secondary element, but a tangible force that manifests itself through literature, art, music, traditions, cuisine and historical heritage. It is the invisible weave that unites the generations, that binds the past to the present and that designs the future.
In Italy, a country where every village, every town, every corner holds treasures of inestimable value, culture is the key that opens the door to understanding and enhancing our territories. Think of the small villages that, thanks to festivals, literary festivals, historical re-enactments, and food and wine heritage, manage to keep their traditions alive, attracting visitors and creating a sense of community. These events not only celebrate cultural roots, but also offer economic opportunities, helping to counter depopulation and promote sustainable development.
Culture also feeds our territories through cultural tourism, which is one of our country's most valuable resources. Every year, millions of people choose Italy for its extraordinary artistic and historical heritage. This flow of visitors not only enriches our cities economically, but also fosters intercultural exchange, promoting mutual understanding and openness to the world.
But Culture is also innovation. Our cities become laboratories of creativity where young artists, writers, musicians and designers can express their talents, creating new forms of expression and projects that combine tradition and modernity. In this context, the role of cultural institutions, libraries, museums, art galleries and schools, which must be supported and enhanced as nerve centres of cultural production and dissemination, is fundamental.
In conclusion, the Campiello Prize is a celebration of Culture, an important moment of sharing and reflection. It is an opportunity to celebrate the beauty of writing and to reaffirm, once again, the importance of literature as a tool for growth and progress. It is our task to protect and enhance Culture, and literature in particular, by investing in it with passion and foresight. Only in this way can we ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for our communities, where beauty, knowledge and creativity will continue to flourish.

(*) Secretary General of the Civita Association