Hannah K Bründl and Christoph Szalay share Rotahorn literature prize

Writer Hannah K Bründl and Graz author Christoph Szalay have shared first place in this year’s Rotahorn Literature Prize, ORF Steiermark reported. They were honoured at a ceremony in the Minoritensaal hall in Graz on Wednesday evening.

The prize, which supports emerging writers, has a total value of 8,000 euros this year. Bründl, a poet and theatre writer from Upper Austria who lives in Vienna, gives a voice in her work to victims of violence. Szalay, a writer and former Nordic combined athlete, focuses on changing landscapes.

“It is not an engagement from behind a desk; it is a practice of being outdoors,” Szalay said. “I have to travel a lot and move through these landscapes.” Bründl said it meant a great deal to her to be recognised, adding that art was “a very hard bread” and that it was wonderful when people wanted to support it.

The award was established in 2011 by Styrian entrepreneur Hans Roth as a birthday present for Graz writer Alfred Kolleritsch and to encourage young writers. It was presented for the 16th time this year. Andreas Unterberger, publisher of the literary magazine manuskripte, said the prize recognises “literature of the future.”