DaimlerChrysler is establishing an art award that will be presented to artists in South Africa beginning in 2000

The "DaimlerChrysler Award" will enable the winner to pursue his or her artistic endeavors undisturbed and without any concern for material well-being for one year. In addition, DaimlerChrysler will finance exhibitions in Germany and South Africa that will be accompanied by a bilingual catalogue. The company will also grant winners a two-month stipend in Germany or the U.S. for further artistic development and the chance to establish international contacts.

The new award program was announced by DaimlerChrysler Chairman and honorary South African Consul General Jürgen E. Schrempp at a reception he hosted honoring the fifth anniversary of the new Republic of South Africa, which was also attended by the South African ambassador to Germany Lindiwe Mabuza.

"The DaimlerChrysler Award for South African Contemporary Art is meant to contribute to the development of a multicultural society in the country," said Schrempp. "Such a society is the precondition for successfully meeting the great challenges posed by the transfer of power to the majority of the South African people."

The award will be presented for the first time next year to an artist from the fine arts, but will also later be open to artists from the fields of theater, music, literature and dance. The awards ceremony will take place as part of the South African National Holiday reception.

DaimlerChrysler is investing approximately $210 million in its East London plant to ensure that the strategically important South African location will continue to meet quality demands that have been rising worldwide.