Feldkircher Lyrikpreis (Feldkirch Poetry Prize)
Annual international poetry prize established in 2003 in Feldkirch, Vorarlberg, Austria, awarded by Theater am Saumarkt to outstanding submitted poems and archived in the Library of Vorarlberg.
The Feldkircher Lyrikpreis, known in English as the Feldkirch Poetry Prize, is an annual literary award presented in Feldkirch, in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg. Initiated in 2003 by the artist and writer Erika Kronabitter, the prize is hosted by the Theater am Saumarkt and supported by a mix of public and private sponsors including regional authorities, national cultural funds and local banks. It aims to recognize accomplished lyric writing and to promote contemporary poetry in German and internationally.
History and purpose
Launched in the early 21st century, the Feldkircher Lyrikpreis was created to give poets a platform in a region with an active cultural scene. Although modest in scale compared with some national prizes, it has established a regular place on the autumn cultural calendar in Feldkirch and contributes to the visibility of new and established poets. The award reflects a regional commitment to literary arts while welcoming contributions from beyond Austria.
Eligibility and selection process
Poets from any country are invited to submit poems for consideration. Submissions are judged by a panel that typically includes German philologists and practising poets, ensuring both technical expertise and contemporary literary sensibility. Selection criteria emphasize craft, originality, and the emotional or intellectual impact of the work. The process is generally administered by the hosting theatre in cooperation with the prize's sponsors.
Presentation, archive and prizes
The winners are announced and presented to the public during the autumn season in Feldkirch. Presentation events often combine readings with short introductions and discussion, linking the award to the region's broader cultural programming. Copies of the winning poems are preserved in the Library of Vorarlberg, creating a public record and making the texts accessible for research and readership in the region and beyond.
Significance and notable features
Key features of the Feldkircher Lyrikpreis include its international openness, the involvement of scholarly and poetic jurors, and its regional anchoring in Vorarlberg. The award contributes to sustaining a reading culture and supports poets by providing exposure and archiving their work. It also demonstrates how local cultural institutions can foster literary exchange across borders within the wider context of Austria’s arts infrastructure.
How it fits in the literary landscape
- Encourages submissions from diverse linguistic and national backgrounds.
- Bridges scholarly evaluation and public presentation through its jury and events.
- Preserves winning texts in a public library to ensure long-term access.
For poets and readers interested in contemporary German-language and international lyric, the Feldkircher Lyrikpreis represents a focused opportunity to gain recognition and to hear new voices in a regional yet internationally aware setting.
Questions and answers
Q: Who started the Feldkirch Poetry Prize?
A: The Feldkirch Poetry Prize was started by Erika Kronabitter, an Austrian artist and writer.
Q: Where is the Theater am Saumarkt located?
A: The Theater am Saumarkt is located in Feldkirch, Vorarlberg/Austria.
Q: How often is the Feldkirch Poetry Prize given out?
A: The Feldkirch Poetry Prize is given out every year.
Q: Who sponsors the Feldkirch Poetry Prize?
A: The sponsors of the Feldkirch Poetry Prize include the Austrian government, the local administration of Vorarlberg, and private banks.
Q: Who can submit their poems for the Feldkirch Poetry Prize?
A: Poets from all countries may submit their poems for the Feldkirch Poetry Prize.
Q: Who is responsible for deciding the winners of the Feldkirch Poetry Prize?
A: German philologists and poets are responsible for selecting the winners of the Feldkirch Poetry Prize.
Q: Where are the winning poems of the Feldkirch Poetry Prize kept?
A: The winning poems of the Feldkirch Poetry Prize are archived in the Library of Vorarlberg.
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Author
AlegsaOnline.com Feldkircher Lyrikpreis (Feldkirch Poetry Prize) Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/33911