Theater Maker and Harpist Awarded Netherlands‘ Top Stage Prize
Amsterdam, Netherlands – Theater maker Carolina Bianchi and harpist Remy van Kesteren have been awarded the 2024 Gieskes-Strijbis Podium Prize, the Netherlands’ largest stage prize, recognizing their significant contributions to the diversity and innovation within the performing arts.The prize was announced yesterday,October 13,2024,by NOS News.
The annual award celebrates artists who push boundaries and enrich the Dutch cultural landscape. Bianchi and Van kesteren will each receive €60,000 to support their artistic development, while nominees Kim Karssen, Gery Mendes, and indie Nile will each receive €10,000.
According to the jury, Brazilian-born bianchi creates “theater that touches, reflects and transforms,” skillfully combining themes of (sexual) violence and abuse with art history. The jury lauded her as “one of the greatest creators of our time.”
Internationally recognized harpist Van Kesteren is celebrated for his innovative approach to music and extensive collaborations in dance and film. His compositions have garnered millions of streams on Spotify, and the jury noted that few musicians are as influential within their genre. They stated he “explores the boundaries of his instrument and continuously pushes them…offering new perspectives,challenges and is a great source of inspiration for new generations of harpists.”
The Gieskes-Strijbis Podium Prize has been awarded annually since 2017 to artists across disciplines including theatre, music, and dance. The prize aims to support and acknowledge exceptional talent within the Netherlands’ performing arts community.
