The Awards Jury Casa Asia 2024 has unanimously decided to award, once all the candidacies presented for its 4 categories have been evaluated, as established in its bases, the following candidacies:
- Now Kairós publishing house, in the Culture and Society category, for facilitating and disseminating knowledge of classical and modern Asian texts that promote dialogue between East and West, and for the commitment to an independent editorial line since its creation by the engineer and philosopher Salvador Pániker six decades ago. Since then, it has published more than a thousand titles, thus consolidating, with the help of its current manager, Agustín Pániker, the cultural and business initiative of his father.
- A Rohingyatographer Initiative, in the Diversity, Inclusion and Sustainable Development category, for raising awareness, through photography, about the Rohingya community and for making visible a conflict not yet resolved. Within the framework of this project, the Rohingyatographer magazine stands out, in which around thirty photographers collaborate. Directed by the Spanish David Palazón and the Burmese Sahat Zia Hero, the publication is today a meeting place for all those interested in the situation of Rohingya refugees, in community documentary photography, and in the defense of human rights.
- A Manga Barcelona-Ficomic, in the category of Economy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, for the promotion of manga as a gateway to Japanese culture in Spain, contributing, with an integrative desire, to interest in Japan, especially among young people. Formed by the guilds of editors, booksellers and distributors of Catalonia, Ficomic began its journey in 1989 with the organization of Comic Barcelona, and since 1995, Manga Barcelona (previously the Barcelona Manga Fair) experiencing extraordinary development, bringing together more of 165.000 attendees in its last edition.
- Now Korea FoundationIn the category Education and Science, for its work promoting Korea through various programs, among which the educational ones and the promotion of Korean studies abroad stand out, as well as for the co-organization, together with Casa Asia since 2003, of the Spain-Korea Forum, a platform for dialogue and cooperation whose main objective is to enhance bilateral relations in the economic, academic and cultural fields, and which in 2023 reached its 15th edition.
El Jury of these awards has been made up of the following people: Javier Parrondo, general director of Casa Asia, Anna Terrón, director of FIIAPP and former Secretary of State for Immigration and Emigration, Antonio Montes, director of Strategic Development of the Instituto de Empresa – IE Business School and Ángel Sala, director of the Sitges Film Festival.
The following people from the jury team have acted as secretaries of the jury (with voice and vote in their respective categories). Casa Asia: Menene Gras Balaguer in Culture and Society, Gaëlle Patin in Diversity, Inclusion and Sustainable Development, Amadeo Jensana in Economy and Business and Yasmin Paricio, in Education and Science.
This award was first established in 2004, and its main objective is to recognize and disseminate the work of entities, both public and private, and individuals that have stood out for their work in the economic, social, educational, cultural or development cooperation fields, promoting dignity and human rights in the Asia-Pacific region, and/or contribute or have contributed to promoting knowledge, dialogue and relations between Spain and the Asia-Pacific region.
The awarded in previous editions They have been, among others, the philosopher and thinker Raimon Pannikar, the China-Europe International Business School (CEIBS) of Shanghai, the Spanish Network for the Coordination of NGOs for Development, the Nagasaki Prefectural Museum of Art, journalists Rosa Mª Calaf and Miguel Frau Rovira, the Malaysian NGO "Sisters in Islam", the sinologists Xulio Ríos and Dolors Folch, the activists Fawzia Koofi (Afghanistan) and Masih Alinejad (Iran), and the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF).
The prize consists of 2.000 euros per category, which will be granted in the awards ceremony during the year 2024 on a date and place that will be announced in advance.
Profile of the winners
With more than a thousand titles published, the Editorial Kairos It has become a reference space for the general Spanish-speaking public – both Spanish and Latin American – interested in traditions of spirituality, Asian thought, depth psychology, the dialogue between science and mysticism, or essays. Given his family ties to the Asian world, from the beginning Kairos He stood out for introducing books related to the thought, society, religion or history of the different Asian centers.
Of particular interest is his collection'Classics', which includes direct translations from the original language – with expert introductions – of great texts of Asian thought. Of the Chinese language, the translation of Zhuang Zi, Lie Zi or Huineng, among others, is notable. From Japanese, they have translated haiku poetry or the philosopher Dogen. In the case of Sanskrit, his translations of the Bhagavadgita, Patañjali or Nagarjuna, among others. From the Pali language, Kairos has translated and published many suttas of the Buddha, as well as a new version of the Milinda Panha.
Since its foundation, the Editorial Kairos remains faithful to its principles, always seeking seriousness and depth, to avoid as much as possible falling into the extremes of academicism or superficiality. This is partly possible because Kairos It has maintained independence from both the large publishing groups and the dominant ideologies and fashions. In the end, the criteria of rigor and depth have given it great prestige in these fields. It is worth highlighting the marked harmony and complicity between the public, the book sector and the publisher; which is largely explained by their belonging to the category of editors who publish what they know and stimulate the public.
Of course, the main scholars of Asian thought and the great teachers of Eastern spirituality have been published by Kairós, since the end of the 1960s, among its authors are the following personalities: Mircea Eliade, Daisetz T. Suzuki, Óscar Pujol, Raimon Panikkar, Jiddu Krishnamurti, Chögyam Trungpa, Alan Watts, Ananda Coomaraswamy, Thich Nhat Hanh, Joseph Campbell, Bhante Gunaratana, Nisargadatta Maharaj, the Dalai Lama, Ken Wilber, Pema Chödrön, BKS Iyengar, Dokushô Villalba, Abraham Vélez de Cea, Vicente Merlo, Taisen Deshimaru, Fernando Tola, Juan Arnau, and Alain Daniélou.
In parallel to strictly editorial activities, Kairos It is also very committed to cultural and economic exchange between Asia (especially India) and the Spanish-speaking world, participating in conferences, book fairs, intercultural conferences, as well as organizing workshops and meetings to disseminate Asian knowledge.
Description of the institution
En 1964, the Editorial Kairos, was founded by Salvador Pániker. Mr. Paniker was a philosopher and industrial engineer of Indo-Spanish origin. From the beginning of the publishing house, the idea that obtained a central axis in its construction consisted of the creation of a forum for dialogue between science and spirituality, between East and West, between reason and intuition, and ultimately, a bridge to allow understanding of the world under different sensitivities. It should be noted that for the last thirty years, the publishing house has been directed by Agustín Pániker - the son of Mr. Salvador Pániker -, a specialist in Indian thought and society.
The Rohingyatographer initiative, co-led by David Palazón and Sahat Zia Hero, is more than just a creative project, it is a narrative justice platform for Rohingya refugees. In a world where identity often defines existence, many Rohingya find themselves marginalized and voiceless. However, through the photo magazine Rohingyatographer, they recover parts of their lost identity, sharing their stories of resistance and hope even in the midst of despair.
This initiative goes beyond the mere aesthetics of photography; elevates the art form to a humanitarian endeavor. It also adds a new dimension to Spain's commitment to the Asia-Pacific region, transforming cultural exchange into a deeper, more humanistic connection aimed at healing the wounds of displacement.
Rohingyatographer distinguishes herself by empowering Rohingya people to become storytellers, not just subjects. This fosters a level of authenticity rarely seen, as their narratives are not manipulated or distorted. In doing so, the project challenges existing stereotypes, sparks meaningful dialogue, and instills new respect for human resilience.
In an era clouded by misinformation, Rohingyatographer stands as a trusted source of truth, allowing Rohingya to share their stories undiluted. The tactile quality of printed photographs serves as a reminder of reality, reconnecting us with basic human experiences that transcend geographic and cultural barriers.
The story behind Rohingyatographer:
Sahat Zia Hero and David Palazón first met while working at the Rohingya Cultural Memory Center in the Cox's Bazar refugee camps. In 2021, they partnered remotely to support Sahat in self-publishing his first photobook. The collaboration was a success and Sahat expressed his desire to produce a new project that could include other Rohingya photographers, and thus the idea of Rohingyatographer magazine was born.
The magazine has quickly established itself as a cornerstone for those interested in topics such as the Rohingya experience, community documentary photography, visual anthropology and human rights. It serves as an effective tool for empathy, dismantling stereotypes and giving a voice to Rohingya youth.
Currently, Rohingyatographer works with 30 photographers, each contributing unique perspectives to our storytelling effort. More information can be found at www.rohingyatographer.org.
Founders biographies:
David, born in Barcelona in 1972, is a multidisciplinary artist and designer committed to social transformation. He studied at institutions such as the London College of Communication, the Royal College of Art and the EICTV in Cuba. His work notably focuses on the Asia-Pacific region, extending to countries such as Bangladesh, Timor-Leste, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu, Palestine and, most recently, Pakistan.
In Bangladesh, David curated the Rohingya Cultural Memory Center in collaboration with IOM, the UN Migration agency. This experience forged valuable bonds with Rohingya artists and photographers, serving as a catalyst for his subsequent role in producing the refugee-led Rohingyatographer magazine alongside Sahat.
Specializing in design, photography, documentary film and visual anthropology, David has worked in partnership with various UN agencies, including IOM, UNHCR, UNICEF and UNFPA, using art as a catalyst for social advocacy and change.
Sahat, born in 1994 in Maungdaw, Myanmar, is a photographer, writer and human rights activist. Although he initially aimed to study Physics at the University of Sittwe, systemic discrimination against the Rohingya community altered his path. Now living in a refugee camp in Bangladesh, Sahat has emerged as a formidable voice in defense of his community.
He is the founder of Rohingyatographer magazine, a photography platform that has gained international recognition. Sahat's work has been exhibited from the Oxford Human Rights Festival to the Head On Photo Festival in Sydney. His written and photographic contributions have appeared in media outlets such as Aljazeera, The Guardian and NBC, as well as in academic journals from the Center for Migration Studies in New York and the Forced Migration Review from the Center for Refugee Studies at the University of Oxford.
In 2021, he was nominated for the UNICEF Photographer of the Year Award. His recent honors in 2023 include receiving the Prince Claus Seeds Award and the Nansen Refugee Award, recognizing his leadership in the Rohingyatographer project.
Barcelona MangaHe has been building bridges between Japan and Spain for 30 years. Bridges that have led hundreds of thousands of attendees to get closer to Japanese culture in multiple aspects; from popular culture represented by manga, anime, cinema, music, fashion or even literature, through traditional culture, from performing arts to pictorial arts, as well as the most festive traditions of Japan.
Manga Barcelona Not only has it been vital in promoting reading among a young and not so young audience, it has also served to bring the Japanese cultural industry closer to the Spanish one, and even to inspire many young people to focus their professional careers on the Japanese sphere. It has been 30 years proving that manga is a magnificent gateway to a culture and that opening it opens many more at the same time.
It is worth highlighting the great impact that Manga Barcelona It supports the business fabric of the city, since during the days that this fair is held, it is possible to observe an increase in sales by publishers and companies due to the large influx of public that travels thanks to the event.
Institution profile
La Federation of Professional Comic Institutionsc (FICOMIC), was born in 1988 with the aim of disseminating and promoting the inexhaustible art of comics. A non-profit entity formed by the unions of editors, booksellers and distributors of Catalonia. Since 1989 FICOMIC has organized Comic Barcelona (previously called the Barcelona International Comic Fair) and since 1995, Manga Barcelona (formerly the Barcelona Manga Fair).
La Korea Foundation plays a crucial role in promoting international exchanges through various activities. Among its main functions is the organization, support and participation in programs aimed at promoting global exchange. Another key aspect of its work is supporting Korean studies abroad and disseminating relevant research results. Furthermore, the Foundation carries out activities aimed at promoting proper awareness and deep understanding of Korea in the international community.
With the aim of strengthening ties of friendship and cooperation at the international level, the foundation embarks on exchanges and collaborations with prominent international organizations. In addition to these outstanding functions, the Korea Foundation undertakes to undertake other programs necessary to achieve its fundamental objectives.
Finally, one of the activities that make the Korea Foundation it is about your participation in the annual organization - together with Casa Asia- from the Spain Korea Tribune, which in 2023 reaches its 69th edition. The Spain Korea Tribune is a platform for dialogue and cooperation between both countries. This event has become a unique occasion for rapprochement between civil societies and mutual knowledge.
In short, Korea Foundation plays an integral role in facilitating and promoting international exchanges, thereby contributing to strengthening Korea's global presence and understanding.
Institution profile
La Korea Foundation, a non-profit entity under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, was established in 1991 with the purpose of fostering a deeper understanding of Korea and strengthening friendly relations internationally.
Since 2018, the foundation has been based on Jeju Island, with the Global Center in Seoul and the ASEAN Cultural Center in Busan. In accordance with Article 1 of the Korea Foundation Act, the Korea Foundation's mission focuses on promoting proper awareness and understanding of the country, as well as strengthening friendship and goodwill in the international community through various international exchange activities.
The foundation achieves its objectives by organizing, supporting and participating in exchange programs, sending and inviting people to encourage global exchange, supporting Korean studies abroad, and collaborating with prominent international organizations. In addition to these essential functions, the Korea Foundation undertakes to undertake any other programs necessary to achieve its fundamental objectives.
