Matúš Vallo presented exceptional people with the Mayor's Award 2023

The Bratislava Mayor's Award is the most important city award, with a longstanding tradition. The award ceremony took place at the P. O. Hviezdoslav Theatre, on the eve of the opening of the Bratislava City Days.

Candidates for the award are selected by the Mayor of Bratislava along with his advisory board. The individual nominations take into account the exceptional contribution of individuals or groups that have shaped the city and deserve attention and, in particular, recognition for the cultural or social development of the city.

“With the awards we are presenting to our laureates today, we also show a certain compass of values. We are communicating the values we consider to be important for our city through specific people and their stories. In these times, I believe it is our duty to seek out, in particular, what can unite us, even though connecting and bridging is a difficult and under-appreciated discipline that requires a great deal of work. Nevertheless, we can never give it up,“ says Mayor Vallo.

List of laureates of the Bratislava Mayor's Award 2023:

Alexej Fulmek – SME daily publisher and director of the Petit Press publishing house

"With each year of SME's existence, it has become clearer that his story transcends the dimension of the editorial office, that more and more people need to see what an important cause he has pursued and continues in."

He received the Bratislava Mayor's Award 2023 for his contribution in publishing and independent journalism, in which he has promoted the principles of truth and press freedom for more than three decades.

Anna Polcková – evangelical pastor

"Watching Anna Polcková, the congregational pastor at the Evangelical Church in Bratislava, she proves that the essence of faith, faith in God, is acts of love for every single human being."

She received the Bratislava Mayor's Award 2023 for her spiritual contribution, long-term work with less respected groups of people in our city and for her activism for the protection of human rights.

Peter Klúčik – painter, graphic designer and book illustrator

"Author of illustrations for such titles as Pippi Longstocking, The Squeaker, The Lost World, Pán Tragáček, The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, and finally the as yet unpublished The Hobbit. Furthermore, countless exhibitions at home and abroad and numerous awards."

He received the Bratislava Mayor's Award 2023 for his lifelong contribution in the visual arts, for spreading his love for Bratislava and his love for drawing, which he translated into many unforgettable illustrations of books for children and young people. ** Dušan Dušek** – poet, prose writer, teacher

"In each of his texts he proves that one does not have to realise one's own existence only through tense and extreme situations, but also in small joys, in brief moments of inner peace."

He received the Bratislava Mayor's Award 2023 for his contribution in book, radio and film production, his educational activity and his creativity, through which he has been searching for and discovering the remarkable in the ordinary for many years.

Alexandra Kusá and Katarína Bajcúrová – current and previous directors of the Slovak National Gallery

"Through her actions and engagement, she has often proved that, even in times of several crises at once, there are ways out in the public interest if we can make tough choices."

She received the Bratislava Mayor's Award 2023 for her important contribution to the promotion of art in Slovakia and a significant contribution to the restoration and development of the Slovak National Gallery, which brings an exceptional space back to Bratislava.

Peter “Ďuďo“ Dudák - singer, composer, musician, lyricist

"It is largely thanks to his love for music that our beloved HEX was born. We have always been the band from Bratislava for everyone. The band whose members were, and still are at heart, the guys from Bratislava."

He received the Bratislava Mayor's Award 2023 In Memoriam for his artistic and musical contribution to the city.

Roman Samotný – activist

"He is always on the move and changes the world around him through his actions. He inspires. He pushes the boundaries. He shows us the way to mutual respect and tolerance."

He received the Special Bratislava Mayor's Award 2023 for his support and creation of a safe space in our city for all those who want to be accepted in tolerance and respect and for his long-term efforts to change the perception of diversity.