05 Mar 2013 Lutheran Mediahouse inaugurates new comic/graphic novel prize

The Lutheran Mediahouse in Bavaria (Evangelischer Presseverband für Bayern e.V. / EPV) announced it has launched a new prize for comics/graphic novels called the Gramic Prize, which will be awarded at the Munich Comic Festival, which runs from 31 May to 2 June 2013. Professionals and amateurs can enter graphic novels and comics on the theme of “Tolerance.” The deadline for entry is 26 April 2013. There is a purse of 5,000 Euros in prize money and the international contest includes three categories: adults and professionals over age 18, next-generation artists aged 13 through 17 and children up to age 12. The nominated works will be presented in an exhibition in Munich’s St. Mark’s Church from 31 May until 2 June 2013. Afterwards the exhibition will tour Germany for two years – including in 2014 at the Erlangen International Comic Salon.

With the 2013 Gramic Prize, artists who take clear-cut positions on the theme of tolerance in their comics, stories and graphic novels will be honoured. What does freedom of conscience look like today? Is a non-violent approach possible? How do matters stand with human rights in our society? Where do we encounter tolerance?

The contest is being held on the occasion of the Luther Decade, with 2013 dedicated to the theme of “Reformation and Tolerance.” It evokes the 31st of October, 1517, when Martin Luther issued his 95 Theses against the abuse of selling indulgences.

Luther was convinced that faith and conscience are inherently free. Luther’s celebrated nailing of his theses on the door of the Wittenberg Palace Church is seen as the start of the Reformation. This deed set off a global movement that influenced not only Germany but also Europe and America and left its traces around the world.

Lutheran Mediahouse also noted that Article I of the 1995 UNESCO Declaration on Principles of Tolerance states that “tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human.”

The UNESCO declaration also says tolerance is “above all, an active attitude prompted by recognition of the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others.”

The Gramic Contest calls upon illustrators, graphic and comic artists to take a critical approach to the legacy of the Reformation and to find their own answers to the question of what tolerance means – or should mean – today.

Individual narratives, sketches of new projects as well as completed works can be submitted.

The contest’s patron is the Munich city deacon, Barbara Kittelberger.

The Gramic Prize is sponsored by the Evangelische Presseverband für Bayern e.V. Contest partners include the Munich Comic Festival, the Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Bavaria and the weekly newspaper Sonntagsblatt.

For additional information including full submission rules, please click here.