The City of Vienna has recognized outstanding contributions to its cultural and scientific landscape by awarding the 2025 Vienna City Prizes to notable artists, scientists, and cultural figures. The ceremony, held in the grand hall of Vienna's City Hall, celebrated achievements across diverse fields including architecture, visual arts, media arts, literature, journalism, music, science, and public education.

The event was attended by leading representatives from Vienna's cultural and scientific sectors. The city's councillor for culture and science presented the awards on behalf of the mayor, emphasizing Vienna's ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant intellectual and creative community. The awards and accompanying grants aim to encourage both established professionals and emerging talents whose work shapes the city's cultural and academic identity.

Recognizing Excellence in Multiple Disciplines

The Vienna City Prizes acknowledge exceptional lifetime accomplishments in the fields of architecture, fine arts, media arts, literature, journalism, music, sciences, and adult education. These honors are designed not only to celebrate established figures but also to motivate the next generation through support grants, which encourage continued innovation and creativity.

This year's ceremony included performances by the ensemble TSOMBANIS4 and was moderated by Theresa Vogl, adding a dynamic cultural dimension to the proceedings.

Commitment to Cultural and Scientific Advancement

Vienna's leadership highlighted the city's longstanding tradition as a hub for creativity and inquiry. The awards reflect Vienna's dedication to supporting individuals who contribute to the city's cultural vibrancy and scientific progress. Efforts to maintain an environment where artistic and intellectual pursuits can thrive are seen as vital to Vienna's identity and future development.

The city's approach is grounded in the belief that both culture and science are fundamental to the well-being and advancement of society. By recognizing those who drive innovation and critical thinking, Vienna aims to maintain its status as a leading center for culture and knowledge in Europe.

Addressing Contemporary Challenges

During the ceremony, the keynote address underscored current societal shifts, drawing attention to the importance of maintaining public trust in media, culture, and scientific discourse. The speaker stressed the need for robust support of independent artistic and scientific work, highlighting Vienna's extensive system of institutional and project-based funding as a model admired internationally.

The address also raised concerns about the erosion of public engagement, warning that increasing skepticism toward media and politics, as well as polarization, pose challenges to democratic societies. The call for sustained and possibly more radical cultural policies was presented as a necessary response to these emerging trends.

Selection Process and Award Details

Recipients of the Vienna City Prizes are selected by independent expert juries, which are regularly renewed to ensure impartiality and a broad perspective. The awards, which have been presented since 1947, are each endowed with a prize of EUR10,000, while the support grants, established in 1951, offer EUR4,000 to promising young artists and scientists. These recognitions serve to both honor past achievements and empower future endeavors in the city's cultural and scientific communities.

Vienna's City Prizes highlight the city's role as a dynamic environment for cultural production, scientific research, and public education. By acknowledging both established and emerging talent, the city reinforces its reputation as a center of excellence in the arts and sciences.