The Johannes Vermeer Award is the Dutch state prize for the arts and consists of a sum of € 100,000. The winner can spend this sum on a special project within his or her field of work.
The Johannes Vermeer Award 2023 went to mezzo-soprano Tania Kross. The jury nominated her unanimously. Kross received the award for her leading international singing career and the innovative way in which she makes opera widely accessible, and also for how she appeals to, connects and inspires a diverse audience. The State Prize for the Arts, established by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, was presented at Felix Meritis in Amsterdam by Gunay Uslu, former State Secretary for Culture and Media.
This year, the jury consisted of Marise Voskens (chair), Margot Dijkgraaf, Afaina de Jong, Hicham Khalidi and Bas Kosters.
Former recipients
Former recipients of the award include writer Arnon Grunberg, visual artist Natasja Kensmil, opera director Pierre Audi, filmmaker and writer Alex van Warmerdam, photographer Erwin Olaf, visual artist Marlene Dumas, architect Rem Koolhaas, graphic designer Irma Boom, composer and director Michel van der Aa, visual artist and film director Steve McQueen, fashion designer Iris van Herpen, violinist Janine Jansen, theater maker Ivo van Hove and photographer Rineke Dijkstra.