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Dresden gets a new city clerk, Olga Martynova!
Olga Martynova will become city clerk of Dresden in 2026. It promotes cultural dialogue between Germany and Russia.
Dresden gets a new city clerk, Olga Martynova!
Olga Martynova is a woman of words who will soon take on a new role: from 2026 she will be the city clerk of Dresden. During the selection process, the 57-year-old beat out more than 40 applications, which is due to her impressive ability to combine poetry and essays. The jury emphasized that their works create a harmonious connection between the poetic and the philosophical. The renowned writer's goal is to promote dialogue between Germany and Russia and intensify cultural exchange MDR reported.
Born in 1968 in Leningrad, now St. Petersburg, Martynova has deep roots in the European literary tradition. After immigrating to Germany in 1990, she wrote numerous poems, essays and prose. Her talent has not gone undiscovered: in 2012 she was awarded the Ingeborg Bachmann Prize, and most recently she received the Peter Huchel Prize for her poetry. Her most recent volume of poetry, “Search for the Name of the Wind,” will be published in 2024. Her previous works include titles such as “Even Parrots Survive Us” and “Conversation About Grief.” Particular attention should be paid to its current city clerk, Alexander Estis, who will remain in office until the end of 2025.
A literary bridge between cultures
Martynova has a lot to offer - not just her great writing, but also her personal story. As of 2018, she no longer writes in Russian, creating a new style for herself. Its inaugural reading in June 2026 will take place in the Central Library in the Kulturpalast Dresden, and it could not be more relevant to the cultural relations between Germany and Russia.
The name Olga, which the writer bears, has an interesting origin. Originally Scandinavian, it is derived from the Old Norse “heilagr”, which means “prosperous” or “successful”. The name was brought to Kievan Rus' by Scandinavian settlers as early as the 9th century and is now widespread in many countries, from Ukraine to Latin America, such as Wikipedia documented. Bearers of the name are often active in politics, art or science, which shows that Olga brings with it strong symbolism.
With her planned projects and her unique perspective, Olga Martynova will certainly bring a breath of fresh air to Dresden's literary scene and help build bridges between cultures. In this way, the literary landscape not only becomes more colorful, but also more meaningful for the dialogue between nations.