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 2024 went to illustrator and children’s book author Marit Törnqvist. The jury nominated her unanimously . Törnqvist receives the award for her exceptional artistic ability to depict universal emotions in language and drawings, and bring them close to the reader’s perception. The dedication with which Törnqvist creates a safe space in her oeuvre for a variety of major themes, welcoming and embracing everyone’s perspective with pen and brush, is of great profound value to young and old alike. The Dutch state prize for the arts, established by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, will be awarded by Eppo Bruins, Minister of Education, Culture and Science, on Monday 4 November 2024 in the Nieuwe Kerk in The Hague.
This year the jury consists of Marise Voskens (chair), Ted Brandsen, Margot Dijkgraaf, Afaina de Jong 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.