Three powerhouse women, hailing from Chile, Mexico, and North Macedonia, have scored the coveted Goethe Medal. This illustrious accolade was bestowed upon literary translator and interpreter Claudia Cabrera from Mexico, art historian and cultural manager Iskra Geshoska from North Macedonia, and theater festival founder Carmen Romero Quero from Chile, during a ceremony in Weimar.
August 28 marks the birthday of revered poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832). The Goethe-Institut, in celebrating this day, awards the Goethe Medal - considered the most prestigious recognition in the Federal Republic's foreign cultural policy.
Overjoyed by the trio's achievement, Carola Lentz, President of the Goethe-Institut, lauded these "powerful women" for their significant impact on their societies and beyond, despite their subtle influence. Lentz underlined that their cultural endeavors play a pivotal role in fostering dreams of a better world, encouraging peace, tolerance, and creativity in challenging times.
The event saw speeches praising Claudia Cabrera's diverse literary translation works, acknowledging Iskra Geshoska's struggles in independent cultural work, and applauding Carmen Romero Quero's impressive role in the global theater scene.
Since 1955, the Goethe-Institut has been presenting the Goethe Medal to over 300 honorees, including prominent figures like conductor Daniel Barenboim, social economist Princess Marilyn Douala Manga Bell, and author David Cornwell, better known as John le Carré.
Women from a myriad of backgrounds have consistently received the Goethe Medal, as evident in the recipients this year - Claudia Cabrera, Iskra Geshoska, and Carmen Romero Quero. Lentz stresses the immense impact of these women, emphasizing how their cultural initiatives promote dreams of a better world despite oppressive political crises and social divisions.
Exploring Beyond the Limits
The Goethe Medal is an official decoration bestowed by the Federal Republic of Germany annually to individuals who have achieved outstanding service for the German language and international cultural relations. To uncover the most recent recipients, one would typically check official announcements or updates from the Goethe-Institut.
While the information on the recent recipients isn't readily available in the provided sources, the Goethe Medal's significance in promoting German language and culture abroad is evident. The award aims to foster knowledge of Germany and its culture, society, and socio-political affairs.
