A Literary Evening at the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago
In Futuro: a Survey of Possibilities
Submission deadline: January 15, 2024
The Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago, in collaboration with Northwestern University cordially invites emerging and established literary authors working in the Chicago area and Midwest to showcase their talent at an event taking place on April 5 at 6pm at the Italian Cultural Institute. This celebration of contemporary artists will be dedicated to honoring Italian culture from a transnational perspective, and aimed at showcasing its resonance with other contemporary global voices, themes and issues.
The main theme of the participating literary works will align with the IIC-Chicago theme for 2024, In Futuro: a Survey of Possibilities. Selected works will reflect on the future, defined by the dreams, fears, uncertainties, and hopes that shape our relationship with the present. How can we imagine a different future and redefine our desires? How can we overcome our fears and conflicts to forge a new sense of community? What does “progress” mean in our day and age
Selected authors will have the opportunity to read a full poem or an excerpt from a novel. A Q&A session will conclude the event, allowing the public to pose questions directly to the authors. This gathering aims to not only provide a platform for literary authors to share and promote their work in person, but also to foster a deeper appreciation of contemporary transnational Italian culture in the heart of Chicago.
Eligibility and Participation:
- Authors, whether established or emerging, who currently reside in the IIC territorial jurisdiction: Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Wyoming. The work to be read must be already published in a reputable print or online publication (not self-published)
- All works will be presented either in Italian or in English. All works in Italian or any other language must be accompanied by a translation in English.
- Authors do not necessarily have to be of Italian birth or descent, but there should be a discernible connection to Italy, either in their personal journey or in the content of their work.
- We strongly advocate for the participation of authors from diverse backgrounds, underscoring our commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion within this event.
- Participation must be in person; online submissions or virtual readings will not be considered. Participants must cover their own travel expenses.
To apply interested participants are requested to submit:
- a brief bio (300 characters with spaces) containing a description of their connection to Italy (whether personal or through their work).
- a brief synopsis of the work they intend to read, highlighting its relevance to the event’s main theme (maximum one page, double spaced, size 12).
- a full copy of the published work they would like to present.
Submission deadline: January 15, 2024 at 11:59pm CT
To apply, please send required materials via email to: m.delfino@northwestern.edu
The organizing committee will notify successful applicants by March 5, 2024. Selections are final and cannot be disputed.
Event date: April 5, 6pm CT at the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago
For inquiries or to submit your application, please reach out to prof. Massimiliano L. Delfino at m.delfino@northwestern.edu
Organizing Committee:
- Luca Di Vito – Director of the IIC Chicago
- Massimiliano L. Delfino – Northwestern University
- Ernesto Livorni – University of Wisconsin-Madison\
- Fabiola Tosi – Associate Director of Programs and Communication, IIC Chicago
