Procida Elsa Morante Award to Zerocalcare, Award Ceremony on December 14, 2024

Il 14 December 2024, Procida will host a special day to celebrate the culture and art of comics. On this occasion, Michele Rech, Better known as Zerocalcare, will receive the Procida Island Award by Arturo Elsa Morante in its XXXVII edition, Section Ninth Art.

The award goes to one of the most important cartoonists of our time, known for his social commitment and the courage with which he addresses profound and current issues. The ceremony will be held in the suggestive setting of the island of Procida, which will be transformed for the occasion into a cultural meeting point of great importance.

Who is Zerocalcare and why was he awarded?

Zerocalcare, Aka Michele Rech, is one of the most famous cartoonists in Italy, author of graphic novels that address current affairs, society and politics with a unique, ironic and direct tone. His career began with autobiographical stories that immediately won over a large audience, thanks to his ability to describe contemporary reality with a sharp and profound gaze.

The choice to reward Zerocalcare with the Elsa Morante Procida Award It was born from reading his latest book, “When you die, it remains with me”, Published by Bao Publishing. The work, due to its theme and the depth of the relationships explored, was considered close to the theme of "The island of Arturo"of Elsa Morante, particularly in the way it addresses the relationship between the protagonist and his father.

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What does the Procida Isola Award by Arturo Elsa Morante represent?

Il Procida Island Award by Arturo Elsa Morante It is an important cultural recognition established in 1986, a few months after the death of the famous writer Elsa Morante. It was the first prize in Italy dedicated to this figure of great importance in twentieth-century literature.

The purpose of the award is to valorize personalities who have distinguished themselves in the world of culture through significant works. Over time, historical sections such as the Narrative, special categories have been added, such as the Ninth Art, which rewards personalities linked to the world of comics and graphics, bringing attention to new and innovative languages ​​in the cultural panorama.

The program for December 14th

Il 14th December will be dedicated to the celebration of the Ninth Art. The program includes:

• Awards ceremony di Zerocalcare at one of the island's historic locations, with speeches by local authorities and representatives of the world of culture.
• Meeting with the author: Michele Rech will talk to the public, telling his artistic journey, his social commitment and the creative process behind his most famous works.
• Autograph session and the opportunity to purchase copies of his latest book, “When you die, it remains with me”.