Poland's Oskar Kolberg Award honors folk artists, researchers

The 51st Oskar Kolberg Award, Poland’s premier honor for contributions to folk culture, has selected 13 laureates from various regions. Recipients include sculptor and glass painter Bogumiła Maria Leśniak, poet‑singer Zuzanna Bujok, the Regional Singing Ensemble “Małokończanie”, and institutions such as the Museum of Folk Culture in Węgorzewo. Awards cover categories ranging from folk art and music to research, ethnography and special recognition for an outstanding student.

The award ceremony will be held on 3 July 2026 at the Royal Castle in Warsaw. Medals, diplomas and monetary prizes are provided by the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, the Mazovian Voivodeship Government, and collaborating cultural bodies. The National Institute of Music and Dance will document the laureates’ work for presentation at the gala.