By Yirgalem Fisseha, an accomplished Eritrean author, has been honoured with the esteemed Bayerischer Kunstförderpreis für Literatur – 2023 Award by the Ministry of Science and Art in the Bayern German Free State. This award, initiated in 1965, aims to inspire and bolster various art forms, awarding a prize of 6000 euros for individual winners or 10,000 euros for groups. The diverse award categories are visual arts, performing arts, music, and literature.
Fisseha won the Bayerischer Kunstförderpreis für Literatur – 2023 for her literary contribution, a book titled ‘Ich bin am Leben’ (I am Alive). The volume comprises a collection of her original poems and their translation into German. The Award ceremony took place today, 27th November 2023, in Munich, the capital of the Bayern region.
Yirgealem Fisseha has an impressive literary portfolio, including previously published works such as ‘Aleku,’ ‘Zeybereye Godney,’ ‘Ich bin am Leben,’ and ‘Freiheit in Briefen,’ the latter co-authored with Tanja Kinkel.
This recognition adds to Fisseha’s already illustrious list of accolades. In 2019, she became the inaugural recipient of the Pen-Eritrea Award, and her commitment to independent journalism earned her the MMY 2022 Award for courage. Pen International recognized her as one of the five most influential female writers in 2019, and she has consistently demonstrated her literary prowess.
To further underscore her impact on the literary landscape, Yirgealem Fisseha secured the ‘Georg Elser Prize in 2023, marking another milestone in her decorated career. Her dedication to the craft and unwavering courage make her a beacon in literature and art.
