"The Yellow River" by Wang Hongjian. Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn

The Muse

The International Muse Award was established by lady Giuliana Plastino Fiumicelli and then-mayor of Florence Giorgio La Pira to recognize excellence in professionals working in cultural industries in 1965.

Initially, the nine award categories were named after one of nine sister goddesses in Greek mythology presiding over the arts, including Erato (art), Colliope (poetry), Clio (history and philosophy), Talia (literature), Polimnia (conducting and music composition), Euterpe (singing), Melpomene (theater), Tersicore (dance) and Urnnia (science). Three more categories were added later on, with X Musa (film), XI Musa (television) and Apollo Musagete (economy).