Caspar Eric receives the Prince Henrik Prize 2023
Lyricist Caspar Eric has received the Prince Henrik Prize of DKK 300.000 kr. and a statuette of Prince Henrik's sculpture “Fabeldyr” (mythical creature). The award was presented by Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II, and sponsored by AVK Holding. 12-06-2023
Caspar Eric is awarded the Prince Henrik Prize 2023 for his pioneering authorship. The prize is given as a token of honour to a contemporary and well-established poet, who with his/her work has provided a substantial contribution to Danish lyrical poetry. Since his debut in 2014, Caspar Eric has proven to be a preeminent voice within the Danish lyrical area. The jury behind the Prince Henrik Prize emphasizes the following regarding Eric's authorship:
“With his powerful and direct poetry, with a balance between vulnerability and political indignation, Eric opens new spaces. His poetry confronts tabooed themes and provides a hope for a new way to connect in a time where we all need to readjust our balances.”
In his latest published poetry “Nye Balancer” (New Balances) Caspar Eric writes about being disabled and the challenges and frustrations it has caused as well as the taboos related to being disabled. Caspar Eric has cerebral palsy.
The jury’s nomination
Caspar Eric has been chosen as laureate by an independent jury appointed by Danske Skønlitterære Forfattere (Danish Fiction Writers) and Dansk Forfatterforening (Danish Writers' Association). Members of the jury are associate professor Louise Mønster as well as the two poets Shadi Angelina Bazeghi and Thomas Boberg.
In their nomination speech the jury states:
“It is crucial that we have an art form that inspires to create a language to illuminate areas of the reality that is hidden in the darkness. It is important to challenge the current division between the sensuous, promoting new perspectives and create room for worlds of experience that have previously been left out. Likewise, it is important to keep believing that it matters how and what we articulate. By awarding Caspar Eric, the Prince Henrik Prize 2023, we wish to keep the door open for new spaces.”
The award was presented by Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II at the Danish Writers' Association's premises in Copenhagen on 10 June 2023.
The award is a cooperation between the Danske Skønlitterære Forfattere (Danish Fiction Writers) and Dansk Forfatterforening (Danish Writers' Association).
Read more in the press below, from The Royal House:
Her Majesty the Queen hands over the Prince Henrik Prize 2023
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