Techno festival Paradigm, spoken word artist Cissy Joan and theater producer Jesse Palsgraaf were declared the winners of the Groningen Culture Awards 2023 on Friday evening.
The prizes were presented by René Paas, chairman of the Groningen department of the Cultural Fund, and deputy Tjeerd van Dekken. Jesse Palsgraaf won the Groninger Culture Prize for Amateur Art. He’s like theater producer actively involved in Music Theater De Kanaalstreek.
According to the jury, Palsgraaf shows how one person can be the driving force in amateur art. ‘The producer from Stadskanaal connects young and old to culture. He ensures that the association flourishes again and that people are enthusiastic about culture again.’
Become ghosts
Spoken word artist Cissy Joan is the winner of the Groningen Talent Prize because of her ‘strong connecting role within the cultural world’. Spoken word is a form of poetry that emphasizes sound, rhythm and message.
The house and techno event Paradigm receives the Groninger Culture Prize for its ‘major contribution to the development and visibility of Groningen art and culture.’ According to the jury, Paradigm deserves the Culture Prize because of its international appeal and because the festival stimulates and promotes local talent and is therefore considered a creative breeding ground.
The event is seen as one of the most versatile and innovative electronic music festivals in the Netherlands. Paradigm is an example for other festivals when it comes to sustainability, according to the jury. A total of 179 applications were assessed.