These are the finalists for the 2025 Art & Culture Award

Which artistic or cultural achievements truly stood out in 2025? The municipality of Zoetermeer is preparing for the presentation of the Art & Culture Award and the Incentive Award, which will take place on Wednesday, February 25, at CKC & partners. The finalists have now been announced. Residents were able to nominate their favorite individuals and organizations who they felt had made a special contribution to cultural life in Zoetermeer. The jury selected the finalists from these nominations.

The finalists

  • Marc Waltman - From squat to international pop venue
    Marc Waltman's documentary provides a unique insight into five decades of youth and music culture in Zoetermeer. The film shows how local volunteers made culture possible, from the first squatters to international top acts. The story of De Boerderij is told in a raw, honest, and authentic way: a place that was always more than just a stage, but a home for music and people.
  • Project Light on Talent - 'Knap hé' (Pretty cool, huh?)
    A collaboration between Stadstheater Zoetermeer and Ipse de Bruggen brought eight people with intellectual disabilities to the stage. In the performance Knap hé, they shared personal stories and showed that they are more than is often assumed: powerful, angry, and headstrong. The project offered them a stage, stimulated meaning, and put underrepresented voices in the spotlight.
  • MSH On Tour - Band Coaching & Talent Development
    MSH On Tour brings musicians of all ages together to rehearse weekly and gain stage experience. Around 100 participants and 12 bands learned to play together without the pressure to perform. The project collaborates with local venues such as Poppodium Boerderij and Le Club BBQ and demonstrates how music connects people and contributes to an accessible music climate in Zoetermeer.
  • The Supermarket - 'Geel Blauw Land'
    On August 16, 2025, Colin Knoester and Dimitrije Trajkovic organized the 12-hour event 'Geel Blauw Land' in the Franx art garage. The festival provided a platform for 30 young artists working in visual arts, music, and poetry, and attracted more than 300 visitors. They reached over 300,000 people via social media. Organized by and for young people, the event focused on humanity and encouraged new connections and collaborations.
  • The Kinder Karavaan
    Zoetermeer Library, Wijck Zoetermeer, and Stadstheater Zoetermeer took a minibus and youth performance to the neighborhoods this summer. In six parks, they performed the free show &Julia for children and families who normally have less exposure to theater. Afterwards, visitors could participate in a workshop. The project brought people together, lowered the threshold to theater, and provided fun and opportunities to meet others, even in places such as the Jetro campsite.

Award ceremony

The award ceremony will take place on Wednesday, February 25, at CKC & partners. The evening will begin with a special opening by Dansschool Dansis, together with a soloist from Greg & Baud Productions. The finalists will then present their projects, after which Alderman Jan Iedema will present the awards. Admission to the evening is free and reservations are not required.