The winner of the Roel Verniers Prize 2026 will receive:

• a co-production sum of 10,000 euros to realise an artistic concept;
• the invitation to show the realisation of that concept at het TheaterFestival 2027 in Antwerp;
• and a preparatory workshop “Pitch & feedback”, offered by Mestizo Arts Platform.

The eight finalists will receive:

• business and legal consultation by Cultuurloket;
• a coaching session by detheatermaker;
• business follow-up and support by Amplo for one year;
• and coaching and guidance on producing the creation by AnAku.

How does it work?

Fill in this Google questionnaire and email your artistic concept in no more than one A4 or in a video message of no more than three minutes + your CV to [email protected]. The deadline is Sunday 14 June 2026. We ask the following:

• Introduce yourself. Who are you and what has been your artistic journey so far?
• Present your project.
• What do you need practically to realise your project, insofar as you have an idea of this already?
• What do you need financially to realise your project, insofar as you have an idea of this already?
• Are you being supported, and if so, how? Financially, practically, residency, communication, dossier, dramaturgy, direction…?
• What partnerships have you already established or are in the pipeline?
• What stage of development are you in?

An expert jury will carefully go through all the artistic plans and choose eight concepts. At the end of June, you will find out if you have been selected to pitch. Mestizo Arts Platform and het TheaterFestival will offer those selected a preparatory workshop “Pitch and feedback” on Thursday 3 September 2026.

On Monday 7 September 2026, those selected will present their concept live at the festival venue KVS during het TheaterFestival, which takes place from Wednesday 2 to Saturday 12 September 2026 in Brussels. Mark this date in your diary if you want to participate. On Tuesday 8 September 2026, we will announce the winner of the Roel Verniers Prize 2026. The concept presentations and the award ceremony are open to the public.

Take your chance and participate!