Federal Prize for Craftsmanship in Monument Preservation launches in North Rhine-Westphalia

The German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) and the German Foundation for Monument Protection are once again launching the Federal Prize for Craftsmanship in Monument Preservation. This year, owners of listed buildings and qualified craft businesses from North Rhine-Westphalia are eligible to participate.

This article is part of the special topic Interesting competitions for craftsmen

Owners of listed buildings and qualified craft businesses can once again apply for the Federal Prize for Crafts in Monument Preservation apply. This year, the Central Association of German Crafts (ZDH) and the German Foundation for Monument Protection (DSD) awards the prize in North Rhine-Westphalia and Bremen. The prize recognizes both private owners of listed buildings who have worked "exemplarily" with qualified craft businesses in the preservation of their monuments since 2017, and the executing companies from various trades for the work they have carried out on the monuments. 

With this prize, the skilled trades and historic preservation authorities aim to promote the high quality of restoration work on listed buildings, particularly those in private ownership. The prize seeks to encourage owners of listed buildings to utilize the expertise of qualified craft businesses for the long-term preservation of their historic structures by showcasing exemplary projects. Furthermore, the prize aims to raise awareness among craftspeople about the field of historic preservation, for which advanced training and additional qualifications are offered at the skilled trades' training centers. The German Foundation for Monument Protection (DSD) also awards scholarships for this purpose.

A strong sign of the importance of craftsmanship.

ParticipationHere you will find the "General procurement guidelines" and the "Registration form"for the Federal Prize for Craftsmanship in Monument Preservation in North Rhine-Westphalia."The preservation of historical monuments uniquely combines tradition, craftsmanship, and sustainability. The Federal Prize for Craftsmanship in Historic Preservation not only recognizes outstanding craftsmanship but also the dedication of those who preserve our cultural heritage and simultaneously guide it into the future with innovative solutions. This prize sends a strong signal about the importance of craftsmanship as a bearer of identity, quality, and sustainability in our society," says Berthold Schröder, President of the West German Chamber of Crafts (WHKT), umbrella organization of chambers in North Rhine-Westphalia.

North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister-President Hendrik Wüst (CDU) added: "Craftsmanship is both a driving force for change and a custodian of our history. Those who work in historic preservation combine traditional craftsmanship with cultural responsibility. The Federal Prize for Craftsmanship in Historic Preservation recognizes the outstanding skill and passion with which our cultural heritage is preserved. By awarding the prize in North Rhine-Westphalia, the state government is sending a clear signal of appreciation for craftsmanship and for the preservation of our architectural heritage."

Prize money of 30.000 euros

Prize money totaling €30.000 is available for the owners, and the craft businesses will receive certificates. The prize is being awarded in North Rhine-Westphalia in cooperation with the Office for the Preservation of Historical Monuments. Regional Association of the Rhineland as the Monument preservation of the Westphalia-Lippe Regional Association, landscape and building culture in Westphalia, the NRW Ministry of Construction, the Chamber of Architects NRW and the WHKT. The prize was last awarded in North Rhine-Westphalia in 2017. The award ceremony will take place on October 13th.

The German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) is accepting proposals and applications from North Rhine-Westphalia from craft businesses, architects, monument preservationists, and private building owners until April 26. The contact person is Dr. Nicoline Bauers, phone: +49 30 20619-336, fax: +49 30 20619 59-336, email: bauers@zdh.de.

Federal PrizeThe Federal Prize for Craftsmanship in Historic Preservation has been awarded by the German Foundation for Monument Protection and the Central Association of German Crafts since 1994. The prize aims to motivate private owners of historic monuments to demand high-quality craftsmanship and performance, while simultaneously raising awareness among skilled tradespeople about the rewarding field of historic preservation. The prize is awarded annually in two German states and is endowed with €30.000 in each state. In 2026, the states of Bremen and North Rhine-Westphalia are scheduled to host the prize.

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