Calouste Gulbenkian’s long path, from his childhood in Istanbul to the latter years of his life in Lisbon (emblematic cities at the eastern and western edges of Europe), shaped his personality and influenced the Foundation that he decided to create in Portugal as a Portuguese institution.
A pioneer in the oil industry, a demanding art collector, a diplomat and a philanthropist, Calouste Gulbenkian was a perfect example of the synthesis of the eastern culture of his birth and origins, and the western culture in which he was educated and lived. Other revealing features of his character were his enormous sensitivity towards the harmony of nature and a particular taste for admiring its beauty.
Naturally, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s activities reflect these characteristics of the founder’s personality and aim to support efforts to foster the universal values inherent to the human condition, respect for diversity and difference, a culture of tolerance and the conservation of the environment in man’s relationship with nature.
The Calouste Gulbenkian International Prize, worth €100,000, distinguishes an individual or institution whose thoughts or actions make a decisive contribution to and have significant impact on understanding, defending or fostering the universal values of the human condition, with particular reference to the following:
- Respect for difference and inter-cultural, inter-ethnic and inter-religious dialogue;
- Respect for biodiversity and defence of the environment in man’s relationship with nature.
In 2011 the Prize will be awarded to an individual or institution regarding the Respect for difference and inter-cultural, inter-ethnic and inter-religious dialogue.
Applications open each year from 2nd January to 15th March and should be submitted preferably online [http://www.gulbenkian.pt/index.php?section=25&artId=2330&langId=2]