The 31st edition of the Premio Campiello Giovani has officially opened. The literary competition is promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in collaboration with the Fondazione Il Campiello.
The initiative is addressed to young people aged between 15 and 21, residing in Italy and abroad, and aims to promote reading, writing, and the creative talent of younger generations, also with a view to fostering closer ties with business culture and the world of work.
The competition is extended to schools and educational institutions within the Sistema della Formazione Italiana nel Mondo, as well as to Italian language courses organised by the Italian Cultural Institutes.
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be at least 15 years old and must not have turned 22 by 15 January 2026.
Each participant may submit one short story only, on a free theme, written in Italian, unpublished and not co-authored.
TEXT REQUIREMENTS
The short story must be no fewer than 10 pages and no more than 20 pages in length and must comply with the following specifications:
- Times New Roman font, size 12
- double spacing, justified text
- numbered pages
The work must be submitted anonymously (with the title only on the first page and no author’s name) and sent in PDF format, with any identifying metadata removed.
SELECTION PROCESS AND COMPETITION STAGES
All submitted works will be reviewed by a Selection Committee, which will select 15 semi-finalist short stories by 16 March 2026.
The Campiello Giovani Jury of Literary Experts will then select five finalists, who will be announced during the Selection of the Final Five, scheduled for April 2026.
Semi-finalists are required to attend the ceremony; the Fondazione Il Campiello will provide travel tickets (public transport) and, where applicable, accommodation.
PRIZES AND AWARDS
The five finalist short stories will be published in a non-commercial volume curated by the Fondazione Il Campiello.
The overall winner will receive a two-week study holiday in a European country, to be determined in agreement with the Foundation.
The following additional awards will also be granted:
- Social and Environmental Sustainability
- Travel Theme
- Special Mention – Business Culture
APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND DEADLINE
Applications must be submitted exclusively online via the official website www.premiocampiello.it – Campiello Giovani section
Deadline for submission:15 January 2026, 6.00 pm
For further information or clarifications contact : giovani@premiocampiello.it
