Elisa Mascia, a dynamic cultural leader, poet, and artist, has long been a force in the world of arts and literature. Born in Santa Croce di Magliano (Cb) in 1956, she currently resides in San Giuliano di Puglia, Molise, Italy, where her remarkable journey in literature and cultural advocacy began. Over the years, she has seamlessly blended her artistic talents with an unwavering dedication to promoting cross-cultural understanding and the universal values of peace and humanity.
A retired teacher, Mascia has dedicated her life to both education and the arts. As a poet, writer, declaimer, and cultural manager, she has participated in numerous national and international poetry competitions, consistently earning accolades, honors, and awards. Her poetic works, which resonate with deep emotion and clarity, have garnered her certificates of participation, merits, and honorable mentions throughout her career.
In 2019, her first poetic collection, La Grattugia della Luna, was published by “L’inedito Letterario,” marking a pivotal moment in her literary career. She also contributed a Sylloge of ten poems to the prestigious Histonium Prize the same year. These ten poems, inspired by the evocative paintings of Erminio Girardo, served as a testament to her ability to weave imagery and verse in a way that captivates and moves her readers. Girardo, an esteemed artist and poet, acted as a mentor, imparting valuable lessons that forever shaped Mascia’s development as a poet and writer.
Mascia’s work goes beyond poetry—she is an advocate for the translation and sharing of diverse literary voices. She has translated the works of renowned poet NilavroNill Shoovro and played a crucial role in bringing the works of Indian poet Asoke Kumar Mitra to an Italian-speaking audience with the translation and publication of his collection Savage Wind in 2019.
Her deep commitment to the global literary community is evidenced by her active participation in several anthologies and monthly issues of OPA Poets, as well as her membership in WikiPoesia since February 2020. She holds the prestigious title of Citizen of the Republic of Poets and is a Dame of the Order of Dante Alighieri, two significant honors that recognize her contributions to the literary world.
Elisa Mascia is not only a prolific writer but also a powerful voice in broadcasting. She is the presenter of the widely followed program En Alas del Fénix, where she collaborates with Radio Krysol Internazionale, declaiming her own poems alongside works of other poets in both Italian and Castellano. Since 2021, she has also been the creator, organizer, and presenter of the program Sentieri di Vita, another well-received program broadcast on the same radio platform.
Her work in theater is equally impressive. Mascia has been the voice for the acclaimed project A Voice of the Dark – Theater in the Dark since 2019, working with Pietro La Barbera to bring life to this unique theatrical experience. Continuing her collaboration with La Barbera, she co-hosts a bilingual program, In Search of True Beauty, blending Italian and Spanish, further expanding her influence across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Mascia’s dedication to art extends into her visual talents. She draws and paints, studying under the guidance of Argentine Master ceramist and sculptor Ángel Guiñazu. Her deep commitment to peace is also reflected in her recognition by the Movimiento Pacis Nuntii in Argentina, which awarded her both the Universal Flag of Peace and the title of Herald and Builder of Universal Peace. Moreover, her appointment as a Lady of the Rainbow by Professor Teresa Gentile further underscores her role as a figure of peace and unity in the international arts community.
As a key Coordinator for the Panorama International Arts and Literature Festival (PIAF) from 2022 through 2024, Elisa Mascia has become an indispensable supporter of Writers Capital International Foundation. Her unwavering commitment to the festival and its mission has led to her taking on several important roles, including that of a cultural ambassador. During PIAF 2024, Mascia presented an extraordinary theatrical play, demonstrating her multifaceted talents and passion for cultural dialogue through performance arts.
In addition to her significant contributions to PIAF, Mascia has also been a leader in the Biennial Hagiography Iconography International under the Writers Capital International Foundation. Her participation in the Albap Academy as Italy Coordinator and Communications Councillor further cements her influence in the global cultural landscape.
Beyond her work in poetry, broadcasting, and art, Mascia is an active contributor to numerous international literary platforms. She has written over 600 articles for the online newspaper Alessandria Today and Alessandria Online, demonstrating her versatility and expertise as a journalist. Mascia’s collaboration with notable poets, including Fabio Petrilli, and her work with the Nicaraguan periodical Carlos Javier Jarquin, reflect her wide-reaching literary involvement. As an editor at Writers Edition, the online magazine of Writers Capital International Foundation, she continues to influence and nurture new literary voices.
In July 2023, Elisa Mascia published Melodia d’amore, her latest collection of poems. This work, like much of her previous writing, is deeply rooted in themes of love, humanity, and the search for beauty in the human experience. Her creativity knows no bounds, as she continues to break barriers, promote peace, and inspire countless others through her work in both the literary and visual arts.
With a career spanning multiple decades and a legacy that touches continents, Elisa Mascia stands as a beacon of creativity, peace, and cultural enrichment. Her work with Writers Capital International Foundation and the Panorama International Arts and Literature Festival ensures that her influence on the global arts scene will be felt for generations to come.
