In Brožík’s hall, the world-renowned oncologist Luboš Petruzelka received the Honorary Citizenship of Prague 1 award this afternoon from the Old Town Hall. At the same time, singer and writer Jiří Dědeček, graphic artist, illustrator, author of books and film maker Petr Sís and photographer Jan Šibík received the Prague 1 Award from representatives of the city district. This award is given by the town hall to citizens for significant artistic, scientific and other works related to the Prague 1 district.

The award was presented by the mayor of Prague 1 Petr Hejma (STAN), 1st deputy mayor Petr Burgr (We who live here) and deputy mayor Eva Špačková (ODS). For me, he is such a knight in a field in which the fight with the enemy is very difficult,” said Mayor Hejma. “It is a great honor for me to be awarded in this way, Prague 1 is beautiful,” replied Petruzelka.

Luboš Petruzelka is the head of the Oncology Clinic of the General University Hospital and the 1st Faculty of Medicine of the Charles University in Prague. This world-renowned oncologist has devoted more than forty years of his practice to patients, which he has devoted to clinical oncology and radiotherapy.

For his work, he was awarded the First Class Medal of Merit and is also a co-founder of the Central European initiative organizing the prestigious Central European Lung Cancer Conference and an actively publishing author of many professional articles, studies and books.

1st Deputy Mayor Petr Burgr presented the award to Jiří Dědeček, who lives in Malá Strana, is a songwriter, writer, publisher, poet and translator. He studied librarianship and scientific information at the Faculty of Arts, UK, as well as screenwriting and dramaturgy at FAMU.

He is not only the author, but also the publisher of many song lyrics, prose and books for children and adults. In 2006 he became the chairman of the Czech Center of the International PEN Club and in 2011 the chairman of the jury of the Magnesia Litera competition.

“I especially thank my wife, who took me to Prague 1, I would have stayed in Prague 9. I am happy to be in the company of Mr. Petruzelka, who has been taking care of my health for 17 years,” said Dědeček.

Deputy mayor Eva Špačková presented the award to photographer Jan Šibík. The photographer, winner of the World Press Photo award, is connected to Prague 1 not only because he lives and works here, but also because of his courage. Among other things, he completely documented the revolutionary 1989. His well-known photographs convey to the audience the tense atmosphere of the demonstrations that took place in the territory of Prague 1 at that time.

Jan Šibík regularly goes to dangerous areas all over the world, where he documents life and local events. He publishes his photographic publications, the latest of which is entitled Deset let, and as the name suggests, it provides a summary of ten years of work as a reportage photographer.

“I’ve always wanted to live in Prague 1, but it’s not that easy. It happened to me eighteen years ago. I like to walk, and in Prague 1 I like that it is close to everything in the center. I know how many wonderful people have received this award, so I appreciate the award very much and thank you for it,” said the moved photographer.

The Prague 1 Award was also won by Petr Sís, a world-renowned graphic artist, illustrator, author of books and film maker, a graduate of the VŠUP in Prague and The Royal College of Art in London. He grew up in Malá Strana, and yet he permanently resides in the USA, alternately living here as well. In addition to illustrations for various periodicals, such as the New York Times, he publishes books.

He is the author of twenty-seven children’s books and illustrated approximately sixty books for children and young adults. He made many animated films, painted or created movie posters. You can come across his mosaics in the New York subway and you can admire tapestries at the airports in Cape Town, Dublin and Prague. He is the recipient of many awards around the world.