Special Art – Cultural Award for Diversity

The Special Art – Cultural Prize of Diversity honors artistically active people with disabilities from the South Holstein region every two years and aims to strengthen their public visibility and promote their participation in cultural life. The award, endowed with a total of €4,500, is divided into a 1st prize of €2,500, a 2nd prize of €1,500, and a 3rd prize of €500. An independent jury consisting of representatives from the District Cultural Association, the Landdrostei Foundation, the Sparkasse Südholstein, as well as experts from the fields of art and disability advocacy selects the awardees based on artistic quality, diversity, the aspect of inclusion, and regional affiliation. The award ceremony takes place during a celebratory event at an accessible venue, accompanied by a presentation of the honored works.

Eligible to participate are individuals or groups with a degree of disability (GdB) of at least 50%, who have developed an independent artistic style for at least three years and can demonstrate a regular connection to South Holstein. Formal proof of the GdB is not required; the application is based on trust. Submissions must include a CV or career overview, up to three recent works in the fields of visual arts, music, literature, or performing arts (images, videos, text samples), as well as video material of performances. Costs incurred for materials, production, and transport will not be reimbursed. The application deadline is June 30, 2026. Entries will be accepted until then; there is no prescribed application format – what matters is a convincing impression of the artistic work. The Landdrostei Pinneberg Foundation as the cultural hub of the southwest and the Sparkasse Südholstein Foundation jointly organize the program.