Heideweek Foundation wins Ede Culture Prize 2025, Jury Prize for Ellen Bouter

During a festive evening at Pathé Ede, the winners of the Ede Culture Prize 2025 were announced. Stichting Heideweek received the Culture Prize 2025 from alderman Karin Bijl. The Jury Prize went to Ellen Bouter, the driving force behind the art and landscape festival Woest&Bijster.

The award ceremony took place in a full hall, featuring performances by city poet Melvin Vlot and an inspiring interview with Ede-born DJ Tida Kamara. The nominees, volunteers, and creators contributing to culture in Ede were celebrated.

According to the independent jury, Stichting Heideweek has been “a cultural heart of Ede for ninety years.” The organization is praised for how the festival connects residents, generations, and village communities. The jury commends the broad, accessible program and the great dedication of volunteers: “The Heideweek is deeply rooted in Ede’s DNA and a living piece of cultural heritage. From the Purple Hearts Festival to the Vlegeldag: the Heideweek brings people together in a way unique to our municipality.” 

Alderman Karin Bijl emphasized at the award ceremony: “For decades, the Heideweek has shown what culture can do: connect people, let them experience together, and give Ede color. This is culture by, for, and of the residents.”

The Jury Prize 2025 goes to Ellen Bouter, who, according to the jury, “with vision and perseverance, turned a small initiative into something big.” She is praised for her many years of dedication to visual arts in the Ede landscape and her important role in the success of the landscape art festival Woest&Bijster: “With her organizational talent, artistic craftsmanship, and ability to connect partners, Ellen Bouter has created a project that now counts on a national scale.” Ellen shared her prize with co-organizers Roeland van de Wall Repelaer and Janneke Veenbergen.

During the evening, the other nominees were also celebrated: Alderman Karin Bijl emphasized the importance of the prize: “Everyone who stood on the stage tonight, winners and nominees, makes culture in Ede visible, tangible, and accessible to everyone. They really make Ede vibrant.”