Biella Literature and Industry Award

An award born in the wool capital

The Biella Literature and Industry Award is Italy's leading literary prize dedicated to novels and non-fiction works that chronicle the nation's economic and social shifts, examining the intersection of culture, labor, and business. It is no coincidence that it was established in Biella, in the heart of Piedmont: for centuries, the city has been a capital of textiles and wool, a region where industrial identity is deeply woven into its history and collective consciousness.

Established in 2001 by Città Studi Biella and currently chaired by Paolo Piana, the award has carved out a unique niche in the Italian cultural landscape: no other recognition so explicitly focuses on the dialogue between industrial inquiry and literary expression.

Fiction and non-fiction, alternating annually

The award follows a biennial structure: one year the jury evaluates fiction, and the following year it focuses on non-fiction. In 2026, the award celebrates its 25th anniversary with the 25th edition dedicated to non-fiction, honoring works published between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025, that investigate the history of labor, entrepreneurship, and the Italian economy.

A jury of experts, chaired by historian Claudio Bermond of the University of Turin, selects a shortlist of five finalists each year to determine the winner. Alongside the main section, the award includes numerous other categories: recognition for the best foreign work, the Readers' Jury, awards for university theses, the Lions Bugella Civitas section, and the special OrangePix award dedicated to the impact of digitalization.

A key event for the city of Biella

The award punctuates the Biella cultural calendar with two public highlights: the presentation of the finalists, held at the Biella Civic Library in late spring, and the grand awards ceremony in the autumn, hosted at the Città Studi Auditorium. A fun fact: for years, the organization has been transforming the winning works into short musical performances to bring literature closer to the general public.

Integrated into the cultural calendar of the Province of Biella and Piedmont, the event attracts authors, publishers, scholars, and readers, confirming Biella as a reference point for those seeking to understand how the world of work and industry is evolving through the lens of literature.