Award Ceremony 2023
During a grand evening at the Stockholm Concert Hall, on May 2, we celebrated the 2023 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award Laureate – Laurie Halse Anderson. The award was presented by H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.
Apart from the prize sum of 5 million SEK, Laurie Halse Anderson recieved a diploma created by the Swedish illustrator Stina Wirsén.
− When I became an author, Astrid Lindgren's defense of children's right to read helped define my path. She shaped the sense of responsibility I feel to my readers and their families. Stories open the doors to conversation and growth. Books strengthen us, and help lay the foundations of morality and wisdom, said Laurie Halse Anderson in her acceptance speech.
The evening was also the start of IFACCA 9th World Summit on Arts and Culture 2023, which took place in Stockholm May 3–5. Riksteatern (Sweden's National Touring Theatre) had created a rich artistic programme, with inspiration from the Summit theme Safeguarding Artistic Freedom, which is also mirrored in the work of Laurie Halse Anderson.
The host of the evening was Josette Bushell-Mingo. With performances by Lindy Larsson, Sofia Jannok, Rana Mansour, Cullberg and Teater 16.
Laurie Halse Anderson received the 2023 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award from Her Royal Highness Victoria, The Crown Princess of Sweden. Apart from the diploma, Laurie Halse Anderson received a prize sum of 5 million SEK for her outstanding contribution to children’s and young adult literature.
Photo: Susanne Kronholm
The host of the evening was the theatre actress and singer Josette Bushell-Mingo.
Photo: Susanne Kronholm
Lindy Larsson performed "Develske Drom (God's Path)" and "Jekk Romani Gijepa (One Romani Song)" in the Romani Chib language.
Photo: Susanne Kronholm
The Iranian-American singer songwriter Rana Mansour performed the song "Woman, Life, Liberty (Baraye)".
Photo: Susanne Kronholm
Swedish Minister for Culture Parisa Liljestrand held a speech about the importance of artistic freedom.
Photo: Susanne Kronholm
Louise Dahl from the contemporary dance company Cullberg performed "Noche", choreographed by Anna Söderberg.
Photo: Susanne Kronholm
Theatre 16 performed an excerpt from "Is My Microphone On?", from the play by Jordan Tannahill.
Photo: Susanne Kronholm
In her acceptance speech, Laurie Halse Anderson talked about Astrid Lindgren, the power of literature and the dangers of censorship.
Photo: Susanne Kronholm
Together with Amina and Jamila Ouhaid, Josette Bushell Mingo performed the visual vernacular show "I Got Life" from the musical "Hair".
Photo: Susanne Kronholm
Sofia Jannok, born and raised in Sápmi, performed the song "Snölejoninnan (Snow Lioness)".
Photo: Susanne Kronholm
This year's award diploma is created by the Swedish illustrator Stina Wirsén.
Photo: Susanne Kronholm
Acceptance Speech
"Literature brings light to all of us in dark times. Throughout history, across countries and cultures, people have used stories to prepare their children for the world that they will inherit. Stories open the doors to conversation and growth. Books strengthen us and help lay the foundations of morality and wisdom."
The full Acceptance Speech
A darkly radiant realism
Laurie Halse Anderson is one of America’s foremost writers for young adults. Her breakthrough novel, Speak, was published in 1999 and has been translated into many languages and adapted for film. In her richly expressive novels for young people she gives voice to the adolescent experience with sometimes brutal honesty. The yearning for love and belonging is a recurring theme for Anderson.
Discover Laurie Halse Anderson