International Conference
Grazia Deledda’s Waves: Networks, Memories and Legacies 100 Years After the Nobel Prize
25-26 September 2026
Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge
The international conference Grazia Deledda’s Waves: Networks, Memories and Legacies 100 Years After the Nobel Prize aims at fostering new research into the life and work of Grazia Deledda, with emphasis on her networks, memories and legacies in the literary realm and beyond. The year 2026 marks the centenary of her Nobel Prize in Literature. Being the only Italian woman to have earned this recognition, Grazia Deledda holds a unique role in the history of world literature. This anniversary offers a timely opportunity for scholars to revisit her contributions through contemporary lenses, and to engage with her works in ways that acknowledge both her historical importance and modern relevance.
The conference is supported by the Italian Section of the University of Cambridge, the Cambridge-Intesa Sanpaolo Fund for Italian, the British Academy, the Italian Cultural Institute in London, the Society for Italian Studies, the London-based association Il Circolo, the Interdisciplinary Network for Nineteenth-Century Italian Studies Ottocentismi, the Association for the Study of Modern Italy and the British-Italian Society.
The celebrations of Grazia Deledda’s Nobel Prize Centenary will also feature several special guests.
On 25 September, illustrator and author Alessandro Sanna will give a live-painting performance inspired by Grazia Deledda’s wonder tales.
On 26 September, filmmaker Maria Giménez Cavallo will present a special screening of her film Anime galleggianti (2024), followed by a drinks reception.
Artist Tonka Uzu will be sketching a visual portrait of the conference throughout both days.
On 27 September 2026, extending the celebrations to London and marking Grazia Deledda’s birthday, there will be a screening of Quasi Grazia (2025) by Peter Marcias at the Regent Street Cinema in London, followed by a conversation with the director. The screening is jointly organised by the Italian Section of the University of Cambridge, the Italian Cultural Institute in London and CinemaItaliaUK.
Conference programme: Conference Programme_Grazia Deleda’s Waves_Cambridge 2026
Email: conferencedeledda2026@gmail.com
Conference Organisers:
Dr Elena Sottilotta, University of Cambridge (ees45@cam.ac.uk)
Dr Sara Delmedico, University of Bologna (sara.delmedico@unibo.it)
