When Group 4 wasn’t in their studios hard at work or connecting with each other in their down time, they were out and about participating in local festivals and events in Umbria.
On October 3rd, Hernan Diaz went to Santa Maddalena for the inaugural event of the Santa Maddalena Foundation Library where he was in conversation with Pablo Maurette, director of the library, about his work and the importance of libraries in the work of a writer. Later Hernan read from his most recent, Pulitzer Prize winning novel Trust and met with Patricio Pron (DG 2014), who is currently in residency at the Library.
The following day, October 4th, Gioconda Belli spoke at Teatro Il Pavone in Perugia for the Questa è Acqua Literary Festival. She discussed the books and authors who most influenced her and read some of her poetry.
Gioconda, Hernan, and Fernanda Trías attended Lecteratura y Pluralidad, a conference at the University of Perugia, on October 14th where they discussed intersections between literature and language. They were also invited to meet with students and answer their questions.
Civitella’s Residency Director, Diego Mencaroni, sharing the pride he takes in seeing Fellows participate in local events, wrote:
“It’s important to Civitella that Fellows, whose work schedules allow for it, share their talents and perspectives with communities around the Castle. We hope, in turn, that access to this kind of cross-cultural exchange provides value for Fellows.” He added, “It is also very meaningful for us to forge relationships with institutions such as the University of Perugia, one of the most important and prestigious in Italy. Expanding beyond the Castle increases the visibility of our institution and, at the same time, we are proud to be considered a point of reference by other institutions of our level and by local and national festivals.”
