Danube-Swabian Cultural Prize recipients revealed

The Donauschwabian Cultural Prize, a prestigious award recognising significant contributions to the Donauschwabian community, will be presented on November 7, 2025, at the House of Donauschwaben in Sindelfingen. This year, the main prize goes to Professor Dr. Anton Sterbling, and the promotion prize to Denise Schillinger, publishing under the pseudonym Pia Varjas.

Anton Sterbling, an acclaimed author and editor, has made a remarkable impact with his anthologies on flight and forced labour, featuring narratives from Donauschwabians themselves. His work, both literary and scientific, was deemed the most comprehensive and diverse among all applicants.

Sterbling's anthologies, published by the Landsmannschaft and the Democratic Forum of Germans in Romania, have also been translated into Romanian by Sterbling himself. His contributions to cultural mediation extend beyond publishing, with numerous lectures and panel discussions.

Denise Schillinger, winner of the promotion prize, made her debut in 2024 with the publication of "Who Needs Ribesel?", a work that paints an impressive picture of Donauschwabian history and relationships with neighbours. Schillinger aims to reach younger people through social media to keep the awareness of Donauschwabian history and culture alive.

Johann Schuth, a cultural pioneer with over 55 years of involvement in the Hungarian-German cultural scene, is the recipient of the honorary award for the Donauschwabian Cultural Prize of the state of Baden-Württemberg 2025. Schuth has edited numerous Hungarian-German publications in various fields, including literature, visual arts, cultural history, and science.

As an organizer of readings and exhibitions in Germany and abroad, Schuth has made significant contributions to cultural mediation. He is the founder of the Association of Hungarian-German Authors and Artists, established in 1990, and currently serves as its chairman. Schuth was also the founding chairman of the Club of German-Writing in 1972.

The Donauschwäbischen Kulturbündenpreis of the state of Baden-Württemberg was awarded to Brigitte Schoder in 2023. The official award ceremony took place on October 11, 2023.

Each of these recipients has made a unique and significant contribution to the Donauschwabian community, and their awards serve as a testament to their dedication and hard work. The Donauschwabian Cultural Prize ceremony on November 7, 2025, promises to be a celebration of these achievements and a continuation of the rich cultural tradition of the Donauschwabians.