#Italy #Rome #Wang Jibing #Italian Federation #Poetry Exchange

Celebrating Poetry Across Borders

On March 5, 2026, an inspiring event unfolded in Rome as the Italian Federation of Writers organized a significant literary discussion titled "At Three in the Afternoon - The Global Resonance of a Delivery Poet's Work". This intimate gathering, hosted in their charming theatre, marked a pivotal moment in intercultural literary exchange, allowing an Italian audience to engage intimately with contemporary Chinese poetry.

The event was notably a collaboration with the Rome9 China-Italy Economic and Cultural Exchange Center and the Suzhou Foreign Cultural Exchange Promotion Association. It served as an enriched platform for connecting two distinct cultural landscapes, enabling literature enthusiasts from both nations to share insights and experiences.

Wang Jibing: A Voice of Contemporary Poetry

At the heart of this discussion was Wang Jibing, a notable poet and delivery worker from Kunshan, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. Wang's poem, At Three in the Afternoon, served as a centerpiece for dialogues surrounding the nuances of daily life and artistry. During the event, Wang, accompanied by his translator and collaborator Martina Benigni, who is pursuing her doctorate in Asian and African Civilizations at Sapienza University of Rome, recounted their collaborative journey.

Benigni had translated Wang's poem into Italian, leading to its publication in Internazionale, helping it reach Italian readers and spark intercultural literary discourse. During her presentation, she expressed how each line of the poem embodies a fleeting moment of tranquility amidst the hustle of a delivery worker's day. This connection between daily life and poetry resonated deeply with the audience, offering a glimpse into Wang's world.

Bridging Cultures Through Literature

Natale Antonio Rossi, the president of the Italian Federation of Writers, highlighted the significance of such encounters, emphasizing the importance of sharing different cultural perspectives. He expressed ambitions to further extend collaborations with Chinese universities, underlining a commitment to fostering ongoing literary engagement. Such exchanges not only enrich the literary landscape but also promote understanding between the cultures of Italy and China.

Wang Jibing, a prolific writer with over 6,000 poems translated into numerous languages and published in five different countries, represents a vital voice in the emerging Chinese poetry scene. His work reflects the complexities of modern life, urging readers to pause and appreciate the beauty found in the mundane.

Local Initiatives Inspired by Art

At the local level, the Kunshan government has initiated "At Three in the Afternoon: Walking with Light", a support program aimed at workers in emerging professions, inspired by Wang's poem. This program exemplifies how art not only influences intellectual discussions but also informs cultural policies and communal support initiatives.

The collaborative efforts between the Italian Federation, local government entities in Suzhou, and educators signify a noteworthy trend in cultural diplomacy. Events like this not only celebrate the arts but pave the way for long-term interactions and shared narratives across borders.

As discussions continue in venues like the Rome9 Economic and Cultural Exchange Center and the Liceo Mamiani di Pesaro, it is evident that the poetic dialogue initiated through Wang Jibing's work is merely the beginning of profound cultural exchanges. These interactions allow both Chinese and Italian literature lovers to immerse themselves in each other's stories, thereby creating a richer global literary tapestry.

In conclusion, this event stands not just as a celebration of poetry but as a beacon for future intercultural collaborations that promise to redefine how we view literature and culture across the globe.