Creative writers in the Uckermark: prizes and projects for 2025!

Creative writers in the Uckermark: prizes and projects for 2025!

A lot is happening in the area of ​​creative writing in the Uckermark, even if the region is not exactly considered a literary hotspot. On May 10th of this year, the renowned Adolf Stahr Prize was awarded in Prenzlau. Endowed with 4,000 euros, this prize was awarded to the Fürstenwerder local group of the Uckermärkisches Historischesverein. The award recognizes the “active and imaginative publication activity on the history of Fürstenwerder and the surrounding area”. Chairman Henning Ihlenfeldt announced that the prize money would flow into new projects. The association members' publications also include notable works such as the “Fürstenwerder Mosaik” series, the book “Fürstenwerder 1944/45” and the much-praised Wiede Chronicle.

But what sets the Adolf Stahr Prize apart? It is awarded every two years and focuses on regional historical works. The jury excludes pure prose and poetry works. Originally established as a poetry prize, it was renamed the Ehm Welk Literature Prize in 1995. This prize has been awarded every two years since 1992 and is endowed with 2,500 euros, with the next award taking place in 2026.

Creative talent in the spotlight

A breath of fresh air is blowing in the Uckermark thanks to the newly founded Lonny Neumann Prize, which was launched by the city of Strasburg. This prize promotes creative citizens and will be awarded for the first time at the city festival on September 12, 2025. From then on it will be awarded annually without any age restrictions.

In addition, the 17th Uckermark children's and youth literature competition is currently running, which appeals to participants up to and including the age of 21. The theme “A normal day…” invites creative development, and the deadline for entries was July 31st. The main prize, a trip worth 750 euros, is donated by Sparkasse Uckermark and the Rotary Club of Prenzlau. There is also a special prize of 150 euros awarded by the city of Prenzlau.

The greats of Uckermark literature

The winners of the Ehm Welk Literature Prize 2024 will also be celebrated in the Uckermark literary scene. Axel Lawaczeck and Silke Andrea Schuemmer were recognized for their outstanding contributions, both receiving the prize equally. Lawaczeck was honored for his story “Between Hbf and Fürstenwalde,” while Schuemmer was honored for her poem cycle “Material Testing.” Maike Suter, who was awarded the prize herself in 2022, was at the lectern for the award ceremony. The Ehm Welk Literature Prize, which is endowed with 2,000 euros, is announced every two years by the Uckermark district and is aimed at authors from Berlin and Brandenburg whose works are connected to the concept of homeland of the writer Ehm Welk, known for his “Kummerow” novels.

Creative writing may not lead to wealth, but it is culturally invaluable. With its diverse commitment to literature, the Uckermark proves that there is great potential lying dormant here, just waiting to be awakened. It remains to be seen what creative heights await us in the coming years.

For further information visit the website Northern Courier as well as the Uckermark Literary Society.