Riviera Award Launches Literary Prize Promoting Lake Garda Culture

The Cultural Association Corriere della Riviera has established the first national literary competition called the «Riviera Award». The initiative, sponsored by the Province and the Tourist Promotion Company No. 12, aims to enhance and promote art and culture, as well as to draw attention to the beauties of Lake Garda.

Famous personalities and place of stay

This location has historically attracted renowned figures such as Vivien Leight, the famous actress of the 1940s, the capricious Rossella Ò Hara from «Gone with the Wind», and her husband, the English actor Laurence Olivier. The two cinema legends, who divorced in 1960, were accustomed to stay at Punta San Vigilio and spend their evenings happily at the Garda port tavern run by Regina Maffezzoli, a common meeting place for stars passing through the lake district.

In remembrance of these two figures, a jury composed of representatives from the industry and cultural sectors, including Giovanni Rana, Paolo Bosisio, artistic director of the Vittoriale, and opera singer Cecilia Bartoli, has decided to establish the special award «Laurence Olivier – Vivien Leight».

Awards and ceremony

The award ceremony will take place on October 8th at Villa San Vigilio. The recipients will be journalist Alessandro Cecchi Paone and actress Elisabetta Gardini. The former was recognized for spreading historical-scientific aspects, making them easily understandable to the general public, while the latter is celebrated for her interpretation of psychologically deep television roles.

The actual «Riviera Prize», open to literary authors, is divided into two sections: poetry and short stories, published or unpublished, on a free theme. Submissions must be received by September 15th (postmark will be the criterion) at the Cultural Association Corriere della Riviera, located at via Colli 70 in Pescantina.