Abramović and Kiefer to Receive Order Pour le Mérite

Renowned Serbian performance artist Marina Abramović and German artist Anselm Kiefer are among the latest distinguished figures nominated for induction into the Order Pour le Mérite, Germany's highest order of merit for arts and sciences. The nominations were announced by Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer and the Order itself.

Abramović, 79, and Kiefer, 81, have accepted their nominations. They will be joined by Austrian-Swiss economist Ernst Fehr, 70, and German legal scholar Angelika Nußberger, 63, who were also named as new members during a committee meeting in late May. The Order, historically significant and patronized by the German Federal President, comprises around 80 prominent international figures, including numerous Nobel laureates.

Culture Minister Weimer lauded the chosen members, stating, "Their work has shaped science and set global standards in contemporary art. Their election once again highlights the importance of this Order as a distinction for the highest intellectual and artistic achievements."

Traditionally, new members are officially welcomed at a celebratory event the following year. For this cohort, the formal induction ceremony is scheduled for late May at the Konzerthaus Berlin. This follows the recent official admission of songwriter Wolf Biermann into the Order in May.

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Their work has shaped science and set global standards in contemporary art. Their election once again highlights the importance of this Order as a distinction for the highest intellectual and artistic achievements.