Johannes Vermeer Prize 2025 for Choreographer and Dance Theater Director Marco Gerris

The Johannes Vermeer Prize 2025 was awarded to Marco Gerris. Minister Gouke Moes (Education, Culture and Science) presented him the prize last night at the Nieuwe Kerk in The Hague, recognizing his groundbreaking work combining dance, theater, and other disciplines. This is the first time the Johannes Vermeer Prize has been awarded to an artist in the field of dance.Minister Moes: This prize can be seen as the Dutch Nobel Prize for art and culture. I am honored to present it as Minister of Education, Culture and Science. Our country has exceptional artistic talent, and with this prize, we recognize and honor that. It is also wonderful that the artistic language of dance wins the prize for the first time.

Innovative

The jury, chaired by Marise Voskens, calls Gerris an absolute innovator at the intersection of dance, movement, theater, and music. He merges the universal artistic language and energy of dance and movement into unexpected combinations, transforming the stage into a parcours for everyone and everything, according to the jury.

Grand Prize

The Johannes Vermeer Prize is the Dutch state prize for the arts and consists of a cash amount of €100,000. This amount is intended for a special project that the winner can initiate within their own field of work. The prize has existed since 2008 and was established to honor and stimulate exceptional artistic talent. The organization of the prize is managed by the six national cultural funds, with the Mondriaan Fund acting as coordinator.

The prize was previously awarded to Marit Törnqvist, Tania Kross, Arnon Grunberg, Natasja Kensmil, Rineke Dijkstra, Ivo van Hove, Janine Jansen, Iris van Herpen, Steve McQueen, Michel van der Aa, Irma Boom, Rem Koolhaas, Marlene Dumas, Erwin Olaf(†), Alex van Warmerdam, and Pierre Audi(†).

The jury this year consists of Marise Voskens (chair), Ted Brandsen, Margot Dijkgraaf, Natasja Kensmil, and Bas Kosters.

Free Exhibition at the Ministry

On the occasion of the awarding of the Johannes Vermeer Prize, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science presents an impression of the winners work in the OCW showcase. The exhibition space is located directly next to the entrance of the ministry at Rijnstraat 50 in The Hague and is freely accessible. The exhibition was designed by set designer Ascon de Nijs and is on display until the end of April 2026.