Kurt Wolff Foundation

The Kurt Wolff Foundation (Kurt Wolff Stiftung) is a non-profit organisation based in Leipzig, Germany, dedicated to fostering a diverse publishing and literary landscape. Founded on 17 October 2000 by publishers and Michael Naumann, then Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, it serves as an advocacy group for independent German publishers. The foundation is named after the German publisher Kurt Wolff and operates from the 'Haus des Buches' in Leipzig. It receives funding from the Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels (German Publishers and Booksellers Association), the Federal Government, the Free State of Saxony, and the City of Leipzig. The foundation's flagship activity is the annual Kurt Wolff Prize, awarded to independent publishers based in Germany that have noteworthy programmes or make a special contribution to literary diversity. Since 2020, the main prize has been endowed with €35,000 and a sponsorship prize with €15,000. The awards are presented annually at the Leipzig Book Fair. In addition, the foundation publishes the annual catalogue 'Es geht um das Buch' (It's About the Book) since 2006, showcasing around one hundred independent publishers and their current top titles. It also organises the 'Leseinsel der unabhängigen Verlage' (Reading Island of Independent Publishers) in cooperation with the Frankfurt Book Fair. The foundation is governed by a board and a curatorium, with members drawn from publishing, bookselling, academia, and cultural institutions. Its work is supported by a circle of friends comprising various publishers. Through its prizes, publications, and events, the Kurt Wolff Foundation plays a central role in promoting bibliodiversity and supporting independent publishing in Germany and internationally.

The Kurt Wolff Foundation was founded on 17 October 2000 by publishers and Michael Naumann, then Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media. It is named after the German publisher Kurt Wolff and is based in the 'Haus des Buches' in Leipzig. The foundation was established to promote a diverse publishing and literary scene and to serve as an advocacy group for independent German publishers. It receives financial support from the Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels, the Federal Government, the Free State of Saxony, and the City of Leipzig. Since its founding, the foundation has engaged in various activities to support independent publishing. Its most prominent initiative is the Kurt Wolff Prize, awarded annually since 2001 to independent publishers based in Germany. The prize includes a main award and a sponsorship award (Förderpreis). Over the years, the prize has recognised numerous publishers and, on occasion, individuals for their lifetime achievements, such as Klaus Wagenbach in 2010, Andreas J. Meyer in 2019, and Antje Kunstmann in 2022. The endowment of the main prize was increased to €35,000 in 2020, with the sponsorship prize at €15,000. In 2006, the foundation began publishing the annual catalogue 'Es geht um das Buch' (It's About the Book) to coincide with the Frankfurt Book Fair. This catalogue presents around one hundred independent publishers and their current top titles, and has become a valued reference work. The foundation also organises the 'Leseinsel der unabhängigen Verlage' (Reading Island of Independent Publishers) in cooperation with the Frankfurt Book Fair, providing a platform for independent publishers. The foundation is governed by a board (Vorstand) with a three-year term and a curatorium (Kuratorium) comprising representatives from publishing, bookselling, academia, and cultural institutions. As of 2021, the board is chaired by Katharina Eleonore Meyer, with Sarah Käsmayr and Daniel Beskos as members. The curatorium is chaired by Annegret Schult. The foundation also has a circle of friends (Freundeskreis) consisting of supporting publishers. Through its prizes, publications, and events, the Kurt Wolff Foundation has become a central institution in the German independent publishing scene, promoting bibliodiversity and fostering international exchange with independent publishers worldwide.

• Foundation established by publishers and Michael Naumann.

• First Kurt Wolff Prize awarded to Merve Verlag, Berlin.

• First edition of the annual catalogue 'Es geht um das Buch' published.

• Klaus Wagenbach becomes the first individual to receive the Kurt Wolff Prize for lifetime achievement.

• Main prize endowment increased to €35,000; sponsorship prize to €15,000.

• New board appointed with Katharina Eleonore Meyer as chair.

• 20th edition of the catalogue 'Es geht um das Buch' published, featuring 121 publishers.

Advocacy and support for independent publishing and bibliodiversity

• Kurt Wolff Prize

  Annual award for independent German publishers, with main prize and sponsorship prize.

• Es geht um das Buch

  Annual catalogue showcasing around one hundred independent publishers, published since 2006.

• Leseinsel der unabhängigen Verlage

  Event organised with the Frankfurt Book Fair to promote independent publishers.

1. 1Kurt Wolff Stiftung – für eine vielfältige Verlags- und Literaturlandschaftkurt-wolff-stiftung.de
2. 2Kurt Wolff Stiftungde.wikipedia.org
3. 3Kurt Wolff Foundationwikidata.org