Weimar (dpa) – On Sunday in Weimar, three women and a man received the famous Goethe medals for their work in international cultural exchange. This year’s award went to multimedia artist Mohamed Abla from Egypt, historian Tali Nates from South Africa, and Nimi Ravindran and Shiva Pathak from theater collective Sandbox Collective from India.

According to the Goethe-Institut, Abla has been committed for decades to promoting understanding, freedom of expression and diversity in the Egyptian cultural scene. With the “Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Center”, historian Nates has created a central place of memory that investigates the roots of the Holocaust and genocide in Rwanda.

Indian artists Ravindran and Pathak critically examined concepts of identity and diversity and fought for a free, compassionate and equal society. Once again this year, the winners presented their works at the Weimar Art Festival.

At the ceremony in Weimar, Goethe-Institut President Carola Lentz recognized the laureates as courageous pioneers in their own societies who have forged productive ties with committed cultural actors around the world. They represent the hope that international cultural exchanges will contribute to a more humane future, even in difficult times.

In Weimar, Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) stressed the importance of free art and the media as the “heartbeat” for a free and pluralistic society. At a time when Russian missiles reduced Ukraine’s museums and theaters to rubble and autocracies restricted social freedoms around the world, foreign cultural policy must continue to be an integral part of German foreign policy, Baerbock said according to the press release.

The Goethe Medal is the official badge of honor of the Federal Republic. Personalities from all over the world are honored, particularly committed to international cultural exchanges or the teaching of the German language. It is awarded annually on the birthday of the poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832).

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