The awards recognize outstanding achievements in conservation, research, dedicated service, education, training, and awareness-raising in the field of cultural heritage across Europe. In summary, the Awards highlight diverse achievements in cultural heritage across Europe, from the conservation of historic sites to innovative education programs. The 7 laureates from 6 countries have been selected from among 31 entries submitted by organizations and individuals from 18 countries across Europe.
Following the announcement of the 2023 winners, Margaritis Schinas, Vice President for the Promotion of the European Way of Life and currently responsible for Culture, said: "Each winning achievement of this year's European Heritage Awards/Europa Nostra Awards is the result of exceptional skills and dedication, both collective and individual, covering heritage sites and traditions across Europe. In honoring these achievements, we also reiterate our firm commitment to protecting our common cultural heritage, because it is vital to our sense of togetherness as citizens and communities in Europe."
Cecilia Bartoli, world-renowned mezzo-soprano and President of Europa Nostra said: "I warmly congratulate this year's winners of the European Heritage Awards/Europa Nostra Awards for the recognition they truly deserve. They are inspiring examples that make a real contribution to building a more beautiful, sustainable, and inclusive Europe. Their success stories demonstrate how adversity can be overcome through the pooling of expertise, dedication, creativity, and innovation. I look forward to meeting them in person and celebrating all the winners at the European Heritage Awards ceremony in our beloved World Heritage City of Venice."
The winners will be honored at the European Heritage Awards ceremony on 28 September at the Palazzo del Cinema in Venice. The prestigious event will be graced by the participation of Cecilia Bartoli, President of Europa Nostra. Vice-President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas is expected to attend the high-level event. During the ceremony, the winners of the "Grand Prix" and the winner of the "Public Choice" award, selected from among this year's winners, will be announced and will receive €10,000 each. The ceremony will be the centerpiece of the European Heritage Summit 2023, organized by Europa Nostra with the support of the European Commission, on 27-30 September in Venice World Heritage City.
Europa Nostra is a pan-European federation of heritage NGOs that has been recognizing outstanding heritage achievements across Europe for over 30 years through the European Heritage Awards. The awards are supported by the EU's Creative Europe program. Europa Nostra campaigns to save Europe's endangered monuments, sites, and landscapes, in particular through the 7 Most Endangered programs. It celebrates excellence through the European Heritage Awards and Europa Nostra Awards. It also contributes to policy debates and shares knowledge through publications, conferences, and workshops.
These awards highlight cultural heritage as a vital strategic resource for Europe. Heritage is a source of shared identity, values, and history for communities. It also has significant social, economic, and environmental benefits when properly protected and leveraged. By recognizing and promoting excellence in heritage practice, the European Heritage Awards foster knowledge exchange and raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage. Heritage supporters and enthusiasts can discover the winners and vote online to decide who will win the Public Choice 2023 / Public Choice Award 2023, which will receive a cash prize of €10,000.
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