Edition 2019 - 2020

The first edition of a new award, “La Grande Bellezza – The Dream Factory” has been launched, conceived by Starhotels and developed in collaboration with Fondazione Cologni, a non-profit organisation to support artisanal crafts, Associazione OMA - Osservatorio dei Mestieri d’Arte (the Florence-based Observatory for Arts and Crafts) and publishing house Gruppo Editoriale.

As part of a range of activities within the scope of the project – which includes the creation of Starhotels branded product lines, artisan commissions, events, exhibitions, meetings, workshops and training, Starhotels announces a biennial themed competition, open to craftspeople working in Italy.

The theme of this 1st edition is “A source of light”. Craftspeople are invited to present, by 15 April, works related in some way (not necessarily literally) to the fascinating theme of illumination: lamps of all kinds, but also candlesticks, candles, mirrors, glass, objects, and home accessories that emit or reflect light. Works should be contemporary, original artistic creations. All techniques and materials are permitted, provided that the work is completely or in large part created manually, according to the criteria and methods of master craftsmanship.

An illustrious panel of respected figures and chaired by Starhotels will select 10 finalists plus a winner.