Award winners chosen

Cultural diversity strengthens identity in the vast country

Franziska Leeb wins in the architecture category(Bild: ANGELA LAMPRECHT)

Artists are important cornerstones of society in this vast country, and cultural prizes have long been ceremoniously awarded for this. 

This year's cultural award winners have been announced: outstanding cultural achievements and innovative initiatives are honored in eight categories. The appreciation prize for architecture goes to Franziska Leeb, while Josef Kern is one of the most important representatives of figurative painting in the "Fine Arts" category.

"Valuable contribution to cultural diversity and identity"
Margit Schreiner was awarded the prize for literature for her "unconventional social analyses", while documentary filmmaker Othmar Schmiderer won the film category. The founder of the Melk children's folk dance group, Eva Kiss, is honored in the category "Folk culture and cultural initiatives", Elisabeth Vavra in adult education, folk libraries, local history research, writing of local history works and work for museums.

Folk art tradition: Eva Kiss founded the Melk children's folk dance group and is also involved in the traditional costume group.(Bild: privat)

Sophie Abraham receives music recognition award.(Bild: Julia Wesely)

Erwin Ortner, founder of the Arnold Schönberg Choir, receives the Music Appreciation Award. This year's special prize for culture and regeneration goes to Edgar Honetschläger.

Award ceremony in November
"The award winners demonstrate the impressive diversity and high standard of our cultural scene. Their commitment and creativity are an important part of our social life," explains Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner. The award ceremony will take place on November 7 at the Festspielhaus in St. Pölten.