The Carmen Martín Gaite Alumni Poetry Award has begun its journey by recognizing Alberto Martín Pérez as the featured author in its first edition, thanks to his work “Nationality exam”This distinction, promoted by the Alma Mater Alumni Association of the University of Salamanca, arises with the objective of give visibility and support to contemporary poetic creation emerging from the university environment. This initiative seeks to revitalize literature and art in Salamanca.
The award not only implies recognition of the literary quality of the winner, but also includes the printed edition of the award-winning work, the delivery of 25 copies to the author himself and the distribution of 100 additional copies by USAL Alumni in its network of activities. In addition, Alberto Martín Pérez will have spaces for participate in literary events, interviews and readings on Radio USAL, all coordinated by the associated university and cultural entities.
A poet from Salamanca with extensive experience in theater and literature
In this first call, the contest managed to bring together 23 poetry collections from diverse backgrounds and styles. The jury selected the proposal of Alberto Martín Pérez, who in addition to being a graduate in Hispanic Philology from the University of Salamanca, has a consolidated baggage in the city's cultural sceneHis career includes participation in theatre groups such as Les Molières, where he has collaborated under the direction of Roberto García Encinas in productions such as Oh Hamlet, Well, We'll Go Out o Hater, even integrating his own verses into the group's adaptations.
Martín Pérez has also been linked to Between Generations and Behind the Scenes, currently co-directing the collective and presenting short theatre pieces such as:
- A millennial grandmother
- Short hair and long ideas
- What are two poets doing in the bathroom queue?
- Is there a philologist in the room?
He also directs the school theatre group of Fray Luis de León InstituteRegarding his poetic work, he has published texts in literary magazines such as Tiberias, letralia y BrandsHis name has appeared among the finalists for awards such as the José Antonio Santano Young Award and the Jaime Gil de Biedma Poetry Prize in 2025, demonstrating a constant presence in local and national cultural life.
A jury with academic and literary references
One of the added values of this award lies in the composition of its jury, made up of figures with recognized careers in the academic and literary fields. The presidency was assumed by Marta Gutiérrez Sastre, Vice-Rector of Students, Inclusion, Equality and Social Commitment of USAL, accompanied by figures such as Roman Alvarez Rodriguez (Vice President of Alumni – USAL), Ester Bueno Palacios (president of Alma Mater Art and Culture) and established authors such as Asunción Escribano, Aída Acosta y Sonsoles Sánchez Reyes.
The jury also included the editor Alicia Arés (Labyrinth Notebooks) and with Enrique Cabero Morán, president of CES – Castilla y León and advisor to Alumni–USAL. He served as secretary Angel Hernandez Perez, general director of Alumni – USAL. This composition ensures a judgment with a critical and professional look on current university poetry.
The birth of the Alumni Poetry Award bears the name of Carmen Martin Gaite as a tribute in the year that marks the author's centenary. This recognition strengthens the bond of the University of Salamanca with one of its most illustrious writers, linking past and present through cultural activities held as part of the centenary. The promotion of university poetry, therefore, is part of a context of remembrance and celebration of key figures in Spanish literature.
The creation of this award responds to the desire to foster the talent of former students, offering new opportunities for dissemination and recognition within the academic and cultural circles. The first edition of the Award has laid the groundwork for an initiative that It values words, memory and creativity from the university community. Institutional support and public visibility ensure that, from now on, this competition will be a benchmark for those wishing to make their way in poetry from Salamanca, keeping alive the ties between tradition and new literary generations.
