Renowned Polish artist Małgorzata Mirga-Tas has been awarded the prestigious Biennial Tajsa Roma Cultural Heritage Prize 2023 by the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC) in Berlin. The announcement was made last week at a ceremony held at the esteemed Maxim Gorki Theatre in Berlin.
Among the illustrious finalists competing for the prize were award-winning Budapest-based actors Franciska Farkas and Kristóf Horváth, French visual artist Gabi Jimenez, talented Swedish actor and singer Lindy Larsson, and Slovakian visual artist Emília Rigová, aka Bári Raklóri. However, Mirga-Tas stood out for her vibrant and self-assured Roma iconography, which has left an indelible mark on Roma’s cultural heritage.
Mirga-Tas’s exceptional work challenges stereotypes and engages in a critical dialogue with historical depictions of the Roma community. Her relentless dedication to reshaping narratives and fostering cultural dialogue within and beyond the Roma community has earned her this esteemed accolade.
A defining moment in Mirga-Tas’s career was her representation of Poland at the prestigious Venice Biennale in 2022. Her vibrant and affirming artistic creations challenged conventional perceptions and engaged viewers in a profound exploration of Roma’s identity. Notably, her bold and thought-provoking artwork served as a critical intervention in revising perspectives and conveying historical narratives.
The Tajsa Prize, accompanied by a 10,000-euro grant, celebrates exceptional individuals at the forefront of the contemporary Roma cultural movement. This esteemed award underscores Roma pride and illuminates the extraordinary talent of Roma cultural producers across various domains of arts and culture.
Accepting the award, Mirga-Tas expressed immense gratitude to those who nominated herself and the other finalists. She acknowledged the belief in their work and the shared mission to promote Roma heritage across Europe, stating, “There is still a lot to do and a lot to tell.”
ERIAC Executive Director Timea Junghaus congratulated Mirga-Tas for her exceptional achievements in advancing Roma cultural expressions and challenging societal norms. The selection process, led by an international jury, rigorously evaluated the contributions of the five remarkable finalists. Among them, Mirga-Tas stood out for her bold and transformative approach to redefining Roma cultural narratives.
The Tajsa Prize is the embodiment of Roma pride, creativity, virtuosity, and the outstanding talent of Roma cultural producers. It serves as an award from Roma for one of their own, with pristine art and indubitable integrity.
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ABOUT THE PRIZE:
Each year, the Tajsa Prize is solely sponsored by the ERIAC associate membership to promote the pedagogy of Roma contribution and self-determination. In 2023, the prize came with a 10,000-euro endowment. The selection process is meticulously evaluated by a panel of five experts, including an ERIAC Board member, three Barvalipe Academy members, and the ERIAC Executive Director. The five finalists were announced on November 5th and the final decision was reached by anonymous votes cast by a jury committee.
ABOUT ERIAC:
ERIAC serves as an international creative hub, supporting the exchange of creative ideas across borders, cultural domains, and Romani identities. The institute aims to promote Romani contributions to European culture, talent, success, and achievement. Furthermore, ERIAC seeks to document the historical experiences of Romani people in Europe.
