The BLKB Foundation for Culture and Education's Cantonal Bank Award 2025 is presented to Daniela Dill. The Spoken Word artist, author, and literature mediator received the award on Wednesday evening, 22 April 2026, during the ceremony at the Elefantehuus in Liestal. Daniela Dill has successfully combined performance art with literary texts for about 15 years. Her poignant short texts link everyday situations with philosophical and social-critical questions, encouraging thought. As a co-founder of the 'Wortstellwerk – Young Writing House Basel,' the 43-year-old, who grew up in Lausen, is committed to promoting young literary talent. Additionally, she leads writing workshops at the Canton Library Liestal and in schools across the region.
‘Daniela Dill combines language, reflection, and stage presence in a compelling way while also devoting considerable efforts to promoting young talents,’ said Nadine Jermann, President of the BLKB Foundation for Culture and Education, at the award ceremony. ‘With the CHF 10,000 Cantonal Bank Award, the foundation board honors Daniela Dill’s long-standing stage work as well as her diverse contributions to promoting literature in the region.’
Inclusion Band 'Boxitos' wins public vote
In addition to the Cantonal Bank Award, the BLKB Foundation for Culture and Education annually awards the sponsorship award for voluntary engagement in the Canton Basel-Landschaft. It is endowed with a total amount of CHF 10,000. The 2025 Sponsorship Award recognized initiatives and projects contributing to health promotion by strengthening physical and mental resources and enhancing well- being and quality of life. After a preselection by the foundation board in December 2025, the winners were chosen by public vote in March 2026.
The inclusion band 'Boxitos' from Liestal received the most public votes and will be awarded CHF 5,000. CHF 2,000 each goes to the second-placed association Permakulturgärten Grüner Zweig from Laufen with 'Healthy Vegetables and Fruit through Permaculture' and the third-placed Oberwil Handball Club for its ‘Handball Kindergarten’. CHF 500 each goes to the Tavolata association with ‘Cooking for Each Other, Eating Together’ as well as to the Seniorenrat Baselland for the information initiative on polypharmacy among seniors.
Raising visibility for health initiatives and strengthening voluntary engagement
‘Whether nutrition, physical activity, mental health, addiction prevention, or stress management – health promotion encompasses diverse topics. It strengthens physical and mental health, prevents diseases, and contributes to the quality of life at all stages of life,’ said Nadine Jermann, President of the BLKB Foundation for Culture and Education. ‘With the 2025 Sponsorship Award, we aim to highlight initiatives and projects in health prevention and thus strengthen voluntary engagement.’
An example of this is the awarded inclusion band of the ESB Foundation Baselland: The ‘Boxitos’ look back on an intensive year with 14 concerts and the new album ‘Rasselbande’. Many band members developed their own songs for the first time, processing personal experiences. During their performances, they experience recognition, belonging, and visibility. This fosters social participation and sustainably strengthens mental health. The foundation for this is also the continuous support and organizational work by a committed team in the background.
About the BLKB Foundation for Culture and Education
The BLKB Foundation for Culture and Education was established in 1964 on the occasion of the bank’s 100th anniversary. The independent foundation supports cultural activities with a local character and promotes professional and scientific young talent in the Canton Basel-Landschaft. Since 1991, the foundation has also honored individuals with the Cantonal Bank Award for their contributions to the canton in cultural, social, or sporting endeavors. Since 2019, the foundation has also supported voluntary club activities in the canton annually with the Sponsorship Award.
Media Contact:
Sandro Spaeth
Phone: +41 61 925 81 53
Email: medien@blkb.ch
