Music and performing arts artists not only make their mark on stages and venues across the country, they also make a difference to their colleagues and help strengthen the industry.

Several of them were honoured at the Danish Artist Association's annual summer party, where five artists and one festival received the association's Artist Appreciation Award. The award focuses on innovation, and the recipients all have a renewed approach to working with music and performing arts.

The six award winners have each been pioneers in their field, using their platform to make art more diverse, accessible and sustainable.


Jaleh Negari - for musical innovation and dissemination of artistic formats

Jaleh Negari receives the Artists' Honour for her important work in testing and building artistic collaborations and musical communities. Besides being a multi-artist and self-publisher, Jaleh is also an initiator of artist collectives and active in formations that cross genres, artistic disciplines, and challenge conventional ways of shaping the artist life. Through artist collectives and publishing platforms, Jaleh Negari has shown how professional communities can give music and music artists a foundation and reach.

Engelina Andrina - for her contribution to Danish and international music and the professional community.

Engeline Andrina receives the Artists' Recognition Award for international outlook and professional focus. As a music creator and artist, Engelina has helped put Denmark on the musical map. She is behind both national and international hits for names like Kylie Minogue, Cecilia and The Storm. Engelina also helps to strengthen the rights and conditions of music creators and songwriters by speaking out about what it takes in terms of professionalism, networking and collegiality to have a long-term artistic life.

The Emergency Relief Orchestra - for working for and with diversity

The Artists' Recognition for Diversity goes to Peter Kibsgaard and the Danish National Relief Orchestra. For the past 10 years, Nødhjælpsorkestret has brought joy through music to children and adults in Danish asylum centres and refugee camps. The orchestra works with the goal that everyone, even those at the bottom of the heap, should have access to experience music from the top shelf.
Through concerts and teaching children, the Emergency Aid Orchestra demonstrates the power of music for community and bridge building.

 

Award recipients, from left: Jaleh Negari, Engelina Andrina and Peter Kibsgaard for the Emergency Aid Orchestra. Photo Helena Lundquist.


Gry Worre - for innovation and dissemination of the performing arts format

The artists' appreciation for innovation and dissemination of the performing arts format goes to Gry Worre. In the performance group Sisters Hope, based on research and activism, she unfolds an urgent message about art's ability to create community, identity and realisation.
Through coaching talks, interactive city walks and more, she shows audiences the important role art plays for people and for our shared society.

The Avernax Festival - for green transition

The Artists' Recognition Award for Sustainable Transition goes to Avanex from South Funen, who are committed to giving live music a sustainable festival format with local roots. At the Avanax festival, going green means drinking from metal cups and eating locally produced food made from real crockery that you wash up after yourself. This year, the festival chose not to announce the music programme in advance to pique the curiosity of the audience and put the artists on an equal footing.

Palle Hjorth - appreciation for collaboration and musicianship

The Artists' Honour goes to Palle Hjorth for musicianship and collaboration. Palle has mastered just about everything that has keys, and his collaborations include a wide range of Danish bands and artists. As one of the most utilised musicians in Denmark, Palle Hjorth helps bring out the best in one Danish solo artist after another. He always manages to work both for and with the artist in an important interplay. As a musician, Palle Hjorth has the strength to both elevate the music and the sensitivity to step back for others' expression and musicality.

Award recipients, from left: Gry Worre, Avanax festival and Peter Sommer, on behalf of Palle Hjorth. Photo Helena Lundquist.

Facts about the award

The Danish Artist Union's appreciation award honours artists and musicians who use their art as a tool to create new opportunities and make music and performing arts more accessible and sustainable.

The award is presented at the Danish Artist Association's annual summer party. It is awarded to one or more artists or industry players who have made an exceptional contribution to music and performing arts that has strengthened the industry and made a difference to the community.

The award recipients are selected by colleagues from the board of the Danish Artist Association.

The prize includes DKK 20,000 and an original print by illustrator Kamilla Wichmann