Two Woodbridge residents are being recognized as recipients of the first-ever Villa Charities Young Artist Grant program, which was launched to support emerging Italian-Canadian artists between the ages of 18 and 30.
Daniele Monticelli was one of three winners taking home the grant in the music category for his album Now Part II, and Madeleine Fiore, was an honourable mention in the film category for her short film, Road Trippin.
Monticelli’s album is described as exploring life situations, interpersonal relationships, and the universal quest for identity, according to a Villa Charities news release. He also emphasizes the inter-connectedness of music and culture, showcasing a fusion of traditional Italian instruments.
He said that securing the grant as a young Italian-Canadian artist is not only a validation of his artistic voice but also a heartfelt recognition of the harmonious blend of his Italian heritage and Canadian identity.
“This empowering opportunity propels me into a richer exploration of my art, fostering a narrative that gracefully weaves together diverse cultural influences,” Monticelli said.
Fiore’s film was written, directed and produced by her and tells the story of two girls who go on a road trip after graduating college.
“Through this journey, they uncover their love for one another that they've been hiding from, which runs parallel to their brother's secret relationship,” the news release said about the film.
The national program was launched in 2023 to support emerging Italian-Canadian artists between the ages of 18 and 30. It focuses on three categories, fictional literature, music, and film, and each grant winner is awarded $5,000.
The aim of the program is to provide financial support to emerging artists, while ensuring that young Italian-Canadians are engaged with Toronto-based Villa Charities, and Italian Canadian community at large.
“Each of the three inaugural Young Artist Grant recipients submitted proposals that demonstrated outstanding originality, excellence and a passion for their chosen creative genre,” said Marco DeVuono, president and CEO, Villa Charities Inc. “I am thrilled that Villa Charities can support these exceptional young Italian Canadian artists as they pursue a career in the arts while proudly representing their Italian heritage.”
Other winners include Claire Tatangelo, of Halifax, in the fictional literature category and Ruggero Romano, of Vancouver, in the film category.
