The Ministry of Culture award was received by architect Michal Sborwitz

Prague – The State Prize for Literature for lifetime achievement was awarded to Zdena Salivarová Škvorecká, who passed away this year on August 25 at the age of 91 in Canada. The award acknowledged, among other things, her care for the development of Czech literature. The presentation of the award, along with the conferring of six Minister of Culture Awards, took place at the Estates Theatre in Prague.

The Minister of Culture Awards relate to the fields of theatre, music, visual arts, architecture, cinematography, and audiovisual media. This year, there are two awards related to cinematography and audiovisual media. In memoriam, the award was given to director and actor Jan Kačer for his artistic individuality. The second award for contributions to cinematography was received by cameraman Josef Špelda.

Michal Sborwitz received an award for timeless architecture and selfless projects. The ministry highlighted his sensitive work with public space, understanding of historical context, and attention to detail in the restoration of monuments. Recent projects from the Sborwitz Architects studio include the restoration of the Tančírna (Dance Pavilion) in Račí údolí in the Jeseníky Mountains, the reconstruction of the Central cinema in Olomouc and the nearby Müller Villa, as well as the new construction of protected workshops in Mladá Boleslav.

The State Awards began in 1920, and there was a long hiatus after World War II until the Czech Republic resumed them in 1995.