The Minister for Culture, Francisco Rutelli, has signed the decree for the institution of the Prize for Excellence in Italian Culture (Premio per l’eccellenza nella cultura italiana) awarded to people who have made exceptional contributions to the spread and promotion of Italian culture, both in Italy and abroad. The Minister has also announced that the first recipient of the prize will be opera singer Luciano Pavarotti.
The prize, which consists of a commemorative medal and a parchment from the ministry, will be awarded twice a year and presented personally by the Minister.

To view the Minister's press release (in Italian) click on the link below. To view news items in English click here.

http://www.beniculturali.it/sala/dettaglio-comunicato.asp?nd=ss,cs&Id=2531