THE WINNERS OF
THE ROMETTI AWARD
2024

On the evening of Saturday, October 12, in the presence of local authorities, prominent figures from the world of culture, and, above all, the finalist students, the final event of the Rometti Prize 2024 took place at the manufacturing headquarters in Umbertide. Now in its 12th edition, the competition represents a fruitful exchange between the well-established expertise of Rometti artisans and the fresh, innovative approach of the most promising students from Italian and international art academies. It serves as a bridge between generations, blending the centuries-old experience of the manufacturing process with the creative contributions of young artists. The goal is to pass on traditional techniques, respect for materials, and attention to detail to young designers while also encouraging the excitement of research and the desire to experiment with new forms and languages. "The 2024 edition was marked by projects of great quality," emphasized Massimo Monini, owner of Rometti Ceramics, and Jean-Christophe Clair, the artistic director, both pleased with how the prize is growing year by year, gaining an increasingly international scope. This year, in fact, the jury evaluated over 110 projects submitted by students from 15 art academies and design institutes. Six finalists were selected, and last July, they experienced an internship at the factory, giving concrete form to their ideas. During the evening, the six prototypes were presented to the public and evaluated by the jury, which awarded the most interesting works based on criteria of form, decoration, and functionality. The winner was Giulia Russo from the NID in Perugia, who convinced everyone with her project "Ellenikà." Second place went to the set of vases "Il lungo, il corto e il pacioccone" designed by Iari Vanoschi from IED Milan. Third place went to Mila Lumumba with the set "Gaia" from CAD in Brussels. "Our goal," said David Menghini, the award’s coordinator, "is to discover new talents and help them express themselves and find their own identity and voice, through a path of artistic and technical growth that, on the other hand, brings new and stimulating creative energy to Rometti, enriching and expanding the world of artistic ceramics." The evening concluded with an important announcement: Massimo Monini presented the ambitious project for a book dedicated to the factory's centenary (1927–2027), which will reconstruct the exciting and evolving story of one of the most innovative and iconic ceramic manufacturers, through an engaging dialogue between words and images. Now, we look forward to the 13th edition of the Prize, with the call for entries to be released in the coming weeks.