By Giorgio Migliavacca

Germany has won the 2003 Asiago Philatelic Oscar Award with a 56c. miniature sheet depicting the left foot of an infant. The big toe is embellished by a few funny strokes to make it resemble the face of a gnome.

The miniature sheet is completed by an inscription on the right hand side  “Fur uns kinder”, for our children. The stamp designed by Birgit Hogrefe is an invitation to look closer at the new generation, a powerful message to make sure that the children of today step into the right direction. Germany had won the Asiago Award 25 years ago, in 1978, and the new accolade was presented to German Consul Andrea Pfannenschwarz together with the prestigious Medal of the Italian President at the Awards ceremony last month.

Asiago’s Mayor Francesco Gattolin (l)  presents Asiago Award to Germany’s Consul, Ms. Andrea Pfannenschwarz; Italian Minister, Honourable Carlo Giovanardi looks on

“When the message conveyed by a stamp is savvy,  it will  stimulate our imagination and create a stream of new ideas,” said Italian Minister  for Parliamentary Co-ordination  Carlo Giovanardi.  Honourable Giovanardi is also the president of  a 60-member Philatelic Association of the Italian Parliament. “Philately is so many things, it is even capable of grabbing the attention of a child as well as that of a university professor,” he said.
The Asiago Award for the best stamp on nature went to San Marino for its six-stamp set  on Ancient Crafts designed by Maddalena Medas.  The jury noted that the series benefits from a refined design, sober colors and excellent artwork.

Bulgaria’s  0.25 lev celebrating the 50th anniversary of the United Nations Disarmament Commission received the environmental award and Liechtenstein’s 70 rappen celebrating the International Year of  Mountains received the eco-tourism award.

The jury included movie director Ermanno Olmi,  stamp artist and philatelic writer Franco Filanci, president Of the Asiago Philatelic Society Maurizio Stella, and past president of the Asiago Awards Committee Lorenzo Pellizzari.

The Asiago Award is under the patronage of the Italian President, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi. Asiago is a popular tourist attraction nestled in the heart of the Eastern Alps.