Two artists win Gieskes-Strijbis Podiumprijs in Amsterdam
Belgian theatre director Jef Van gestel and dancer Cheroney Pelupessy have each received €70,000 as winners of the Gieskes-Strijbis Podiumprijs.
Belgian theatre director Jef Van gestel and dancer Cheroney Pelupessy have each received €70,000 as winners of the Gieskes-Strijbis Podiumprijs.
Driving the news: The tenth edition of the Netherlands' largest performing arts prize was presented on Monday evening at De Rode Hoed in Amsterdam to honour creators advancing quality and diversity.
By the numbers:
- Both winners receive €70,000 each, an increase from the €60,000 distributed in previous years.
- Nominees Diamanda La Berge Dramm, Dunja Jocic, and Florian Myjer each collect €35,000, raised from €10,000.
- Total prize money expanded from €150,000 to €245,000, lifting cumulative fund investments since 2017 to €1.6 million.
Why it matters: Fund director Floris van Hest stated that higher funding provides all five shortlisted creators greater freedom to pursue what their artistic development requires.
Zoom in: The selection committee commended Van gestel for his absurd works linking visual art, performance, and object theatre. Pelupessy was recognised for weaving contemporary dance and breakdance with Moluccan and Indonesian traditions, days after securing two other national honours on Friday.
