National Gentile da Fabriano Prize
The recognition of Italian excellence that has animated Fabriano for thirty years
About Gentile da Fabriano Prize
A prize for excellence in the heart of the Marche
The National Gentile da Fabriano Prize is one of the most prestigious cultural events in the city of Fabriano, in the province of Ancona, in the heart of the Marche region. Every year, in autumn, the award attracts leading figures from Italian culture, science, economy, and civil society to the city of paper, recognized for their contribution to merit and value.
History and founders
The prize was established in 1997 thanks to the insight of Senator and Professor Carlo Bo, former rector of the University of Urbino, together with Professor Galliano Crinella. Since then, the event has established itself as a benchmark in the national cultural landscape, successfully linking the name of Fabriano with that of the great late Gothic painter Gentile da Fabriano, a symbol of the city's artistic identity.
The prize categories
The award is traditionally divided into several thematic categories, which over the years have recognized figures of absolute importance:
- Lives of Italians
- Economy, work, and innovation
- Mario Giacomelli, dedicated to contemporary photography
- Science, health, and environment
- Carlo Bo, dedicated to culture and communication
In addition, special Jury Prizes are awarded from time to time to personalities who have distinguished themselves for their civil and human commitment.
The thirtieth anniversary in 2026
In 2026, the Gentile da Fabriano Prize will reach its XXX edition: thirty years of history celebrated with a theme dedicated to the transformations of our time, "The New Frontiers of the Human". The ceremony takes place at the Teatro Comunale Gentile da Fabriano, in the presence of the jury, authorities, and a large audience.
An event for the city
In addition to the awards ceremony, the thirtieth-anniversary edition is accompanied by a rich program of collateral events, including screenings, exhibitions, and meetings involving the Municipality of Fabriano and the Associazione Gentile Premio. It is an opportunity to rediscover a city that, thanks to its paper-making tradition recognized by UNESCO, has linked its name to culture and knowledge for centuries.
Gentile da Fabriano Prize — edition 2026
The thirtieth anniversary of the Gentile Prize
The 2026 edition marks thirty years of the National Gentile da Fabriano Prize, since its founding in 1997. The award ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 10:30 AM, at the Teatro Comunale Gentile da Fabriano. The theme chosen for the thirtieth anniversary is "The New Frontiers of the Human", dedicated to understanding the great changes of our time.
The jury for the prize is chaired by Professor Giorgio Calcagnini, Rector of the University of Urbino Carlo Bo, while the ceremony will be hosted by Tg1 journalist Giorgia Cardinaletti. The event enjoys the High Patronage of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the patronage of the Ministry of Culture, the Marche Region, the Municipality of Fabriano, and the Unione Montana Esino-Frassasi.
Programme Gentile da Fabriano Prize 2026
The detailed program of the ceremony and the list of awardees for the XXX edition will be announced by the Associazione Gentile Premio in the weeks preceding the event.
The path to the thirtieth anniversary is marked by confirmed collateral initiatives:
- February 26, 2026, 9 PM — Cinema Montini: screening of the video "Thirty Years of Excellence and Merit" dedicated to the awardees from 1997 to 2015 (editions I-XIX), curated by Galliano Crinella.
- March 5, 2026, 9 PM — Cinema Montini: second video dedicated to the awardees from 2016 to 2025 (editions XX-XXIX).
- Exhibition "Passaggi" — in the exhibition spaces of Zona Conce, featuring photographic works by Mario Giacomelli and graphic works by Simone Massi, curated by Gianluigi Colin and Galliano Crinella.
- Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10:30 AM — Teatro Comunale Gentile da Fabriano: awards ceremony for the thirtieth anniversary.
Highlights Gentile da Fabriano Prize 2026
- XXX edition: the thirtieth anniversary milestone (1997-2026).
- Theme: "The New Frontiers of the Human".
- Jury chaired by Giorgio Calcagnini, Rector of the University of Urbino.
- Hosted by Giorgia Cardinaletti (Tg1).
- "Passaggi" exhibition featuring Mario Giacomelli and Simone Massi at Zona Conce.
Prices Gentile da Fabriano Prize 2026
Practical information — Gentile da Fabriano Prize
Where
The ceremony takes place at the Teatro Comunale Gentile da Fabriano, in Via Gentile da Fabriano 1, in the historic center of Fabriano (AN).
How to get there
By car: take the Fabriano exit from the SS 76 Ancona-Rome highway. By train: Fabriano station is served by the Rome-Ancona line; the theater is within walking distance of the center. By plane: Ancona-Falconara airport is about 60 km away.
Admission
Admission to the awards ceremony is free on a first-come, first-served basis. For collateral events (screenings, exhibitions), consult the official prize website.
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Where does it take place — Gentile da Fabriano Prize
Teatro Comunale Gentile da Fabriano
Via Gentile da Fabriano 1, 60044 Fabriano