Regensburg's 2025 Cultural Prize is bestowed upon photographer Stefan Hanke – honoring three esteemed cultural accolades
In the vibrant cultural scene of Regensburg, Germany, several local artists and the association Campus Regensburg e.V. have been recognised for their outstanding contributions. The annual Cultural Award and Promotion Prizes, set to be presented in October 2025, will honour Koloman Wagner, Lena Schabus, and Stefan Hanke, as well as the association itself, for their significant work.
Koloman Wagner, a multidisciplinary artist born in Hallein, Austria, in 1992, is a rising star in the world of art. His works, which blend physics, music, dance, sculpture, and algorithmics, have been exhibited at prestigious venues such as the Vasarely Museum Budapest, Nord Art, and the London Art Biennale. In Regensburg, Wagner regularly participates in local exhibitions and serves as a lecturer and jury member for the promotion of contemporary art. In 2023, he received the U-40 art prize from the art and craft association Regensburg.
Lena Schabus, born in 1990 in Hutthurm near Passau, is another visual artist making waves in the art world. Her digital image compositions address current issues such as the climate crisis, digitization, or mass tourism. Schabus' work has been exhibited at around 20 locations since 2013, including the "KZ survived" project, which has been a poignant and thought-provoking installation. In 2025, Schabus was awarded one of the 2.500 Euro cultural promotion prizes.
Stefan Hanke, a photographer born in Regensburg in 1961, is another recipient of the 10,000 Euro cultural award in 2025. Hanke's work has received numerous accolades, including the Bavarian Photography Prize (1987), the Kodak Photography Book Prize (1988), the cultural promotion prize of the city in 2004, the cultural prize of the district in 2013, and the Wilhelm Hausenstein Award from the Bavarian Academy of Fine Arts in 2017.
The association Campus Regensburg e.V., founded in 2008, organises the annual Campus Festival, one of the largest self-organised student events in Germany. The association's commitment to sustainability, barrier-free access, and social participation is particularly highlighted. For its long-standing work in the cultural and social sphere, the association Campus Regensburg e.V. is awarded the Kulturförderpreis 2025.
The Campus Festival, held annually, offers a diverse programme that includes music stages, culture stage, workshops, sports activities, and information stands. This year's event is expected to attract over 10,000 visitors, continuing its reputation as one of the most significant student-led events in Germany.
In addition to these cultural awards, Regensburg and Bavaria have a rich tradition of academic prizes, such as the Regensburg Area Studies Prize for outstanding master's theses and the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Prize and the Princess Therese of Bavaria Prize. However, the 2025 Cultural Award and Promotion Prizes in Regensburg, specifically for Stefan Hanke, Lena Schabus, Koloman Wagner, and Campus Regensburg e.V., are not directly related to these academic awards.
The award ceremony for these prizes will take place in October 2025, celebrating the continued growth and success of the arts and cultural scene in Regensburg.
- Koloman Wagner's artworks, which encompass physics, music, dance, sculpture, and algorithmics, can be seen at famous museums like the Vasarely Museum Budapest, Nord Art, and the London Art Biennale.
- Lena Schabus' digital image compositions, focusing on topics such as the climate crisis, digitization, and mass tourism, have been showcased in approximately 20 locations since 2013.
- Stefan Hanke, a renowned photographer from Regensburg, has received several accolades, including the Bavarian Photography Prize (1987), the Kodak Photography Book Prize (1988), and the Wilhelm Hausenstein Award from the Bavarian Academy of Fine Arts in 2017.
- The annual Campus Festival, organised by the association Campus Regensburg e.V., offers a multifaceted programme consisting of music stages, culture stage, workshops, sports activities, and information stands.
- In addition to the Cultural Award and Promotion Prizes, Regensburg and Bavaria have a long history of academic prizes, such as the Regensburg Area Studies Prize and the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Prize.
- At this year's Campus Festival, visitors can expect over 10,000 people in attendance, further solidifying its reputation as a significant student-led event in Germany, separate from the academic awards mentioned. The festival provides a platform for various activities, including fashion shows, cooking demonstrations, travel talks, car exhibitions, educational workshops, and even casino games, reflecting the diverse lifestyle of Regensburg's residents.
