SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Dec. 6, 2024 – Artist Gunter Demnig has been awarded the prestigious Karl-Küpper-Preis 2024 for his creation of the "Stolpersteine" (stumbling stones), a poignant and widespread memorial commemorating victims of the Holocaust. The award ceremony took place in the Piazzetta of the historic Cologne City Hall, where Demnig laid the first brass plaque in 1992.
Stolpersteine: A Powerful Reminder of the Past
The Stolpersteine project is considered the largest decentralized memorial in the world. These small, brass plaques are embedded in sidewalks in front of the last known residences of victims of Nazi persecution. Each stone bears the name, date of birth, and fate of an individual, serving as a powerful reminder of the lives lost and the importance of remembrance.
"Demnig's idea to remind us of the victims of National Socialism and to commemorate them in the midst of everyday life remains correct and is ingenious," said Cologne Mayor Henriette Reker. "In this way, they remain among us, retain their individuality and continue to belong to our society."
A Legacy of Remembrance and Social Responsibility
The Karl-Küpper-Preis recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and moral courage in promoting a diverse and tolerant society. Demnig's Stolpersteine project has not only ensured that the victims of the Holocaust are not forgotten, but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against antisemitism, racism, and all forms of discrimination.
"Keeping the memory of the victims of National Socialism alive is the task of all of us and of future generations," stated Christoph Kuckelkorn, President of the Festkomitee Kölner Karneval. "With his Stolpersteine, [Demnig] not only ensures that these people are not forgotten, he tears us out of our everyday lives and reminds us how important it is to stand up against anti-Semitism and racism. A reminder that is as relevant and important today as it was then."
Inspiring Future Generations
Demnig's work has resonated particularly with young people, who are often deeply affected by the stories behind the Stolpersteine. The project has sparked important conversations about the Holocaust and its legacy, inspiring future generations to learn from the past and work towards a more just and equitable future.
"I have made the experience that young people, students, want to know: How could something like this happen in the land of poets and thinkers?" said Demnig. "And that has increased. That is why the Stolpersteine are so important, because young people draw the reverse conclusion: something like this must never happen again."
About the Karl-Küpper-Preis
The Karl-Küpper-Preis is named in honor of Karl Küpper, a prominent figure in Cologne's carnival tradition who actively resisted the Nazi regime. The prize is awarded by a jury that includes the mayor of Cologne, the president of the Festkomitee Kölner Karneval, and representatives of the Küpper family. This year's prize money of 10,000 euros was donated by the Kreissparkasse Köln and the Sparkasse KölnBonn, two companies committed to combating racism, antisemitism, and discrimination.
The Impact of Demnig's Work
Gunter Demnig's Stolpersteine project has had a profound impact on communities around the world. These small memorials serve as powerful reminders of the individual lives lost during the Holocaust, fostering remembrance and encouraging dialogue about the importance of tolerance and social responsibility. The Karl-Küpper-Preis is a fitting recognition of Demnig's significant contributions to promoting a more just and inclusive society.