The power of Art Prizes

Each year, the art world eagerly awaits the announcement of major awards like the Turner and the Marcel Duchamp Prize. In Belgium, the Belgian Art Prize celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, and just last month the Pomona Art Fund announced its first three winning artists. When an award carries prestige, it can catapult an artist into the spotlight - leading to increased recognition, rising market value, and major exhibitions.

Such prominent prizes in contemporary art not only stimulate public discussion but also spark meaningful debate, contributing to a dynamic art discourse. While they may sometimes face challenges, such as the Belgian Art Prize’s all-Caucasian male shortlist in 2019 - which prompted important conversations and artist responses - these moments highlight the evolving nature of such accolades and their role in shaping a more inclusive art world reflecting the values of the permanently changing global society we live in.

One thing is clear: Art prizes have become an integral element of how the art world functions. This conversation will explore their impact from multiple perspectives. Joining us is Belgian artist Koen van den Broek, the first winner of the Art Brussels Solo Prize in 2008, Patricia De Peuter, Vice-President of the Belgian Art Prize, Art Brussels managing director Nele Verhaeren, whose fair grants four annual prizes, and Belgo-Lebanese artist Marie Zolamian, winner in February 2025 of the first  'Pomona Art Fund' grant in the category mid-career artists, as well as Wiels chief curator Helena Kritis, who will moderate the discussion.  

How is winning an award shaping an artist's career? Is it a transformative moment or merely a footnote?

This event is a collaboration with Art Brussels.

TheMerode is proud to support the Art Brussels Solo Prize since 2024.