Kunstwerk Kolderveen invites artists to apply for the first edition of the Drenthe Contemporary Award — a new biennial art prize that highlights contemporary artistic practices connected to the region of Drenthe.

About the Award

The Drenthe Contemporary Award is a biennial art prize created to support and celebrate contemporary art that is connected to Drenthe — through geography, theme, or engagement with the region. The prize is aimed at artists whose work engages with urgent, critical, and current issues — whether through material, conceptual, or socially engaged practices. We are particularly interested in proposals that demonstrate artistic depth and contribute to wider conversations about society, culture, and environment, both locally and globally. Through this award, we aim to increase appreciation for contemporary art within Drenthe while also drawing national and international attention to the vibrant practices rooted in this unique region. 

One winning artist will be awarded a solo exhibition of the winning work at Kunstwerk Kolderveen and a 2.500 Euro cash prize.

For Whom

We invite applications from:

  • Artists who live and/or work in the province of Drenthe

    And\or

  • Artists whose practice is thematically or contextually focused on Drenthe, including location-based or community-focused projects.

How to apply

Applications must submit ONE PDF in which includes the following materials are gathered in English or Dutch

  • File name: Surname_Firstname.pdf

1.  The first page should be a text in which you nominate an existing artwork for the Drenthe Contemporary Award. Explain the relevance of the artwork and its connection to Drenthe. Max. 250 words

2. Portfolio (which includes the nominated artwork)

  • 15 images/pages of your work, in good quality

  • Each image must include: title, year, dimensions, technique, and materials

  • If your work is time based, include in the pdf links to where the materials can be viewed online (youtube, vimeo, etc). (not password locked, we will access the link between 14th October and 25th October)

  • Optional: short accompanying texts (max. 250 words per work)

3. Curriculum Vitae

Must include full contact details, and any other relevant professional information like education, exhibitions, commissions.

Applications should be submitted via email or file transfer (e.g. WeTransfer) to:
kunstwerkkolderveen@gmail.com

Subject line: Application Drenthe Contemporary Award 2025 - Surname_Firstname

Deadline: 14 October 2025

The Jury

Anke Bangma

Hilde de Bruijn

Clare Molloy

Timeline

Open Call Deadline: 14 October 2025

  • Selection Committee Meeting: 16 October 2025

  • Winner Announced: 25 October 2025

  • Exhibition Opening: 4 December 2025

  • Workshops for schools: January 2026

  • Lecture and Exhibition tour by the artist: 25 January 2026

  • Exhibition Closing: 1 February 2026