Prince of Asturias Foundation

Prince of Asturias Foundation is a private foundation based in Oviedo, Asturias, Spain, which aims to promote Spanish culture and recognize outstanding achievements in various fields, including Sciences, Humanities, and Arts. The foundation was established in 1980 by Leonardo Fernández Troyano and is supported by King Felipe VI of Spain, Queen Letizia of Spain, and other prominent figures such as José María Aznar, Felipe González, and Javier Solana. The foundation's activities are closely linked to those of the University of Oviedo, Technical University of Madrid, and other prestigious institutions like the Spanish Royal Academy and the Instituto Cervantes.

● History

The foundation's history dates back to 1980, when it was established to commemorate the Prince of Asturias title, which is traditionally held by the heir to the Spanish throne, currently King Felipe VI of Spain. The foundation's early years were marked by the support of prominent figures such as Adolfo Suárez, Leopoldo Calvo-Sotelo, and Fernando Abril Martorell. Over the years, the foundation has evolved to become a leading institution in promoting Spanish culture and recognizing outstanding achievements in various fields, including those of Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Joan Miró. The foundation has also collaborated with other organizations, such as the European Union, UNESCO, and the Council of Europe, to promote cultural exchange and cooperation between Spain and other countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Portugal.

● Objectives

The foundation's objectives are to promote Spanish culture and recognize outstanding achievements in various fields, including Sciences, Humanities, and Arts. The foundation aims to foster cultural exchange and cooperation between Spain and other countries, and to promote the values of democracy, freedom, and human rights, as embodied in the Spanish Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The foundation also seeks to support and recognize the work of individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge, innovation, and creativity, such as Isaac Peral, Santiago Ramón y Cajal, and Miguel de Unamuno. The foundation's objectives are closely aligned with those of other prestigious institutions, such as the Nobel Prize, the Pulitzer Prize, and the Princess of Asturias Awards.

● Awards

The foundation presents several awards each year to recognize outstanding achievements in various fields, including the Princess of Asturias Awards, which are considered among the most prestigious awards in Spain. The awards are presented in several categories, including Arts, Sciences, Humanities, and International Cooperation, and are awarded to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to their respective fields, such as Pedro Almodóvar, Plácido Domingo, and Mario Vargas Llosa. The foundation's awards are often compared to other prestigious awards, such as the Nobel Prize in Literature, the Nobel Peace Prize, and the Fields Medal, and are recognized as a benchmark of excellence in their respective fields. The awards have been presented to notable figures such as Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter, and Aung San Suu Kyi, as well as to organizations like the United Nations, the Red Cross, and Médecins Sans Frontières.

● Governance

The foundation is governed by a board of trustees, which is composed of prominent figures from Spanish society, including King Felipe VI of Spain, Queen Letizia of Spain, and other notable individuals such as José María Aznar, Felipe González, and Javier Solana. The board of trustees is responsible for setting the foundation's strategic direction and overseeing its activities, which include the presentation of the Princess of Asturias Awards and other initiatives to promote Spanish culture and recognize outstanding achievements. The foundation is also advised by a council of experts, which includes leading figures from the University of Oviedo, the Technical University of Madrid, and other prestigious institutions like the Spanish Royal Academy and the Instituto Cervantes.

● Activities

The foundation's activities include the presentation of the Princess of Asturias Awards, as well as other initiatives to promote Spanish culture and recognize outstanding achievements. The foundation also organizes cultural events, such as concerts, exhibitions, and conferences, which are often held in collaboration with other organizations, such as the European Union, UNESCO, and the Council of Europe. The foundation's activities are closely linked to those of the University of Oviedo, the Technical University of Madrid, and other prestigious institutions, and are designed to promote cultural exchange and cooperation between Spain and other countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Portugal. The foundation has also collaborated with other organizations, such as the British Council, the Goethe-Institut, and the Institut Français, to promote cultural exchange and cooperation between Spain and other countries.

● Notable Laureates

The foundation has recognized the outstanding achievements of many notable individuals and organizations, including Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter, and Aung San Suu Kyi, as well as organizations like the United Nations, the Red Cross, and Médecins Sans Frontières. Other notable laureates include Pedro Almodóvar, Plácido Domingo, and Mario Vargas Llosa, as well as Isaac Peral, Santiago Ramón y Cajal, and Miguel de Unamuno. The foundation's awards have also been presented to leading figures from the world of Sciences, such as Stephen Hawking, James Watson, and Francis Crick, as well as to prominent figures from the world of Arts, such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Joan Miró. The foundation's notable laureates also include Federico García Lorca, Luis Buñuel, and Pau Casals, among many others.

Category:Spanish foundations