Vera Gerdau Prize

The Haspa Hamburg Foundation awards the Vera Gerdau Prize as part of its commitment "Hanseatic Help" to honor creative inclusion projects in Hamburg. Carriers of non-profit organizations can apply who implement art and cultural formats in which young people with physical, mental, or sensory impairments are actively involved. The prize particularly recognizes concepts that focus on barrier-free access, participatory methods, and interdisciplinary exchange between artists with and without disabilities. By acknowledging outstanding initiatives, the prize promotes the visibility of innovative ideas and inspires sustainable collaboration in the cultural and social sectors.

Projects that enable equal collaboration between artists with and without disabilities and strengthen the dialogue between young talents and established actors are supported. The evaluation focuses on promoting the inclusion of young people with diverse impairments and on partnership-based cooperation in production processes. As an award in the format of a prize/distinction, this funding format sends a clear signal for diversity in Hamburg's cultural life. By honoring best practice examples, it provides impulses for future projects in the fields of culture, media, work, and social affairs and sustainably raises awareness for inclusive art and cultural work.