With the fifth 2024 edition of the MAM-Maestro d'Arte e Mestiere award another 63 great Masters signed the Golden Book of Italian Craftsmanship Excellence. At the Squero of Fondazione Giorgio Cini, on 29 September, the 40 Master Craftsmen of the Cologni Foundation received the MAM recognition within the international kermesse Homo Faber: The Journey of Life, in Venice. The ceremony was also recognised by the Head of State Sergio Mattarella, who honoured the initiative with the award of the Medal of the President of the Republic.
Each of the 40 new MAMs of the Fondazione Cologni was presented with a special art object: a bronze casting created by the Scuola dell'Arte della Medaglia dell'Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato, the only school of art in the world within a State Mint. Produced by a group of talented students from the Scuola dell'Arte della Medaglia, the casting chosen for the 2024 edition depicts a female figure, an allegory of artistic Craftsmanship, in profile facing to the right, who with a proud and intense gaze looks at and holds in her hand a bird of paradise to which is attributed the symbolism of beauty, royalty and creative freedom. In the background, to the left, a texture evokes the metiers d’arts, tools, materials, ideas and whatever else may be part of the work of the Masters. The whole rich allegory communicates the values of MAM through a very intense and evocative representation. The Fondazione Cologni's scientific committee also decreed the 10 special awards for institutions and/or people who have distinguished themselves for the promotion, protection and dissemination of the artistic crafts at various levels: a very prestigious parterre! MAM-Maestro d'Arte e Mestiere is placed under the aegis of important and significant institutional patronage and is supported by Cartier, for the work that led to the selection of the 40 Masters of the Cologni Foundation.
Promoted by the Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri d'Arte, in collaboration with ALMA, The International School of Italian Cuisine, the project will see its completion in Parma, the city where ALMA has its headquarters: here, inside the Teatro Regio, in November, the 23 Masters of Agricultural Arts, Taste and Hospitality will be proclaimed.
Discover the biographies of the new award-winners and updates on the project at www.maestrodartemestiere.it
