Codogno, November 15, 2024 – The Municipality of Codogno is celebrating the triumph of the 9th edition of the Giuseppe Novello International Prize for Humour and Satire, with unprecedented participation and involvement figures. Thanks to a targeted and innovative re-launch strategy, the Prize has managed to attract global attention, confirming its attractiveness among competitions for cartoonists and satirical authors – emerging and professional – from all over the world.
In a decisive breakthrough, the new edition was held entirely online through a dedicated portal, available in both Italian and English, which made it possible to break down geographical barriers and widen participation. The competition thus registered record numbers: no less than 490 participants from 62 countries, demonstrating the international resonance of the initiative and the effectiveness of the choices made.
Culture councillor Silvia Salamina expressed great satisfaction: ‘We strongly believed in the re-launch of the Novello Prize, convinced that humour and satire are fundamental tools for promoting culture and debate. The choice of an online edition made it possible to reach a wider audience and to make the most of the participating talents. These extraordinary numbers confirm that we have taken the right path’.
The results achieved are also evident in the public involvement figures: as many as 2358 users voted for the works online, actively contributing to the selection of the best cartoons. ‘We invested almost an entire year in the realisation of this ‘special’ edition, and the numbers speak for themselves: 490 participants, 2358 online voters, a jury composed of 10 experts in the fields of graphics, journalism, communication and media – in addition to myself, artistic director Elena Verdelli, and councillor Salamina. It was an immense amount of work, but very rewarding,’ says Stefano Massaro, Communications Director of the Prize.
‘The award ceremony,’ announces Artistic Director Elena Verdelli, “will be held on 20 November, in the context of the 233rd Codogno Fair, at 3.30 p.m. in the Theatre Hall of the Codogno Exhibition Centre, where it will also be possible to visit the exhibition with the selection of the first 50 cartoons, including the winning works that won over the public and the jury and won prizes worth a total of €5,500”.
To crown this record-breaking edition, a dedicated closing ‘show’ is planned in December 21, hosted by the well-known cabaret artist Franco Rossi, which will enshrine the growing importance of the Novello Prize. Details on the event will be announced in the coming weeks.
