Danube-Swabian Cultural Prize recipients revealed
Prominent Figures Honoured in Baden-Württemberg Donauschwabian Cultural Prize
Two esteemed individuals, Johann Schuth and Professor Dr. Anton Sterbling, have been recognised for their significant contributions to the Hungarian-German cultural scene. The announcement was made for the Baden-Württemberg Donauschwabian Cultural Prize, an annual award that celebrates the rich heritage and contemporary achievements of the Donauschwabian community.
Johann Schuth, a founding member of the Community of Young Hungarian Germans (1989), has been actively involved in the Hungarian-German cultural scene for over 55 years. He is also the founder of the Association of Hungarian-German Authors and Artists (1990), serving as its chairman to this day. Schuth is known for his work as an organizer of readings and exhibitions, both in Germany and abroad. His dedication to preserving and promoting Hungarian-German culture has earned him the honorary award for the Baden-Württemberg Donauschwabian Cultural Prize, endowed with 2,500 euros.
Anton Sterling, a co-founder of the literary group "Aktionsgruppe Banat," has distinguished himself in various fields. As a university professor, author, and editor, his work has been recognised for its comprehensiveness and diversity. Sterling's anthologies on flight and forced labor, featuring Donauschwabians speaking about their experiences, have ensured translations of his work into Romanian and published prose and poetry. For his outstanding contributions to cultural mediation through lectures, panel discussions, and his written work, Sterling is the winner of the main prize for the Baden-Württemberg Donauschwabian Cultural Prize.
In addition, Denise Schillinger, publishing under the pseudonym Pia Varjas, is the winner of the promotion prize. Her debut work "Who Needs Ribisel?" was published in 2024 and paints an impression of Donauschwabian history and relationships with neighbors. Schillinger aims to reach younger people through social media to keep Donauschwabian history and culture alive.
The formal award ceremony for both Schuth and Sterling will take place on November 7, 2025, at the House of Danube Swabians in Sindelfingen. The official award ceremony by the Ministry of the Interior will take place in 2025, although the exact date has not been publicly announced yet.
These honours serve as a testament to the enduring impact of these individuals on the Donauschwabian community and their commitment to preserving and promoting their cultural heritage.
