"Speak Your Mind": Honoring Wolfgang Niedecken with the Georg Meistermann Award
Wolfgang Niedecken, the musician and artist known for his unwavering commitment to democracy and humanity, was lauded with the Georg Meistermann Prize at a ceremony in Wittlich. Former German President Horst Köhler hailed Niedecken as a "personality with backbone and courage" who stands up for democratic values, and praised him for his openness and honesty.
Grateful for the honor, Niedecken pledged to donate the €10,000 award to the "Rebound" project, which provides aid to child trauma victims in conflict-ridden regions of Africa. The 72-year-old has a long history of philanthropy, having been awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for his work in Africa and serving as an ambassador for the "Together for Africa" campaign.
Köhler also honored Niedecken's talents as a painter and musician, having released 23 studio albums with his band BAP. As Köhler reminded the audience, courage in speaking out against injustice and discrimination is still vital in today's world, with rising instances of racism, religious discrimination, homophobia, and nationalism.
Celebrating the legacy of Georg Meistermann, the prize's namesake, aims to keep alive the artist's dedication to freedom of opinion and democracy. Meistermann, a promotional figure in modern art, made significant contributions to painting and printmaking, and the Hochschule für bildende Künste (HFBK) Hamburg, which awards the prize, has a rich history of nurturing artistic talent. Notable alumni of the art university include artists like Meistermann, Ernst Wilhelm Nay, Sigmar Polke, and Gerhard Richter.
Wolfgang Niedecken's acceptance of the Georg Meistermann Prize is a testament to his enduring commitment to social justice and using his artistic talents to make a positive impact on society. His dedication to fighting against discrimination and promoting unity resonates with the values upheld by the award and its namesake, Georg Meistermann.
