Art Prize of the German Democratic Republic
The Art Prize of the German Democratic Republic (Kunstpreis der Deutschen Demokratischen Republik) was an East German state award for achievements in art. It was given by the Ministry of Culture to recognize "outstanding creative and interpretive achievements" in visual arts, applied arts, cinema, television, radio, and entertainment. The prize could go to individuals or to groups of up to six people. Winners received a silver-coated medal, 20 mm in diameter, inscribed with Kunstpreis, and a cash prize: 6,000 East German marks for a single recipient or up to 20,000 marks for a group. It was East Germany’s highest art honor, second only to the National Prize. The first awards were announced on 22 January 1959 by Culture Minister Alexander Abusch, to nineteen recipients, with additional awards in April and October 1959 and in March, October, and December 1960. From 1961, the prize was awarded once a year in varying months. The last ceremony took place on 3 October 1990, just before the state dissolved.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 02:01 (CET).