At the annual awards ceremony for the "Schönste Bücher aus Liechtenstein 2024" competition, Regierungsrat Manuel Frick emphasized the importance of recognizing outstanding book design. "He würdigt die gestalterische Vielfalt und handwerkliche Präzision, die in jeder Publikation stecken. Ich gratuliere den Preisträgerinnen und Preisträgern und bedanke mich dafür, dass sie sich dafür einsetzen, dass das gedruckte Buch weiterhin ein wesentliches Kulturgut bleibt," he stated, highlighting the cultural significance of printed books.
The competition saw participation from various publishers and designers, with 20 entries submitted. Amongst these, one submission did not conform to the regulations set by the competition. It is always impressive to see such enthusiasm for the craft, showcasing creativity and skill across diverse designs.
This year, two books stood out to the expert jury, earning the prestigious "Ausgezeichnet" designation. These winners will not only receive accolades locally but will also automatically qualify for the international competition "Schönste Bücher aus aller Welt," where they will be displayed at renowned book fairs, such as those held in Leipzig and Frankfurt.
The awarded publications include "Lorenz Schierscher erzählt" created by Lorenz Schierscher and produced by Atelier Silvia Ruppen Anstalt, published by Alpenland Verlag, and printed by Gutenberg AG. The second recognized work, "Triennale 2024," was conceptualized by Visarte Liechtenstein e.V. and crafted by Samuel Wolf from Wolf Studio GmbH, featuring high-quality printing done by Druckerei Odermatt AG.
Beyond the winners, several notable works received "Lobende Anerkennung 2024," acknowledging their quality. This category included works such as "Ana Lupas" published by the Stedelijk Museum, Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, and S.M.A.K. Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst alongside P420 from Bologna, showcasing designs by Akiko Wakabayashi. Another commendable work was "Magische Orte," which provided insights from artistic residencies held from 2006 to 2023, highlighting intercultural creativity.
Other recognized works featured "Sprichwörter von hier & anderswo," edited by Laura Hilti and Cornelia Wolf, underlining the importance of local expressions and culture. The quality of design and printing for these works was executed by companies like BVD Druck+Verlag AG and Bubu AG, ensuring every detail was carefully considered.
This gathering brought together book lovers, publishers, designers, and representatives from the cultural scene, establishing a vibrant community around the love of literature and design. Such events not only celebrate achievement but also reinforce the printed book's role as an enduring cultural asset.
Events like the "Schönste Bücher aus Liechtenstein" competition point to the future preservation of book culture, nurturing excellence within the industry. Frick's remarks reflect the wider sentiment surrounding heritage and creativity within Liechtenstein as the printed word continues to evolve.
The passion for books and respect for craftsmanship still thrive, and through initiatives like this, the legacy of high-quality printed publications is poised to flourish. The recognition offered through such competitions instills pride among authors and illustrators, motivating them to aspire toward new heights.
