the art of progress prize

Art of Progress Prize

Re-imagine boundaries. Bend senses. Shape a sustainable tomorrow.

The Art of Progress Prize is a global open call for the next generation of creative changemakers working at the intersection of art, innovation and sustainability. Open to artists aged 35 and under, worldwide, it invites proposals that fuse multi-sensory artistic practices (from bio-art and data visualisation to scent-driven installations) with environmental consciousness.

Ten finalists will be selected, and up to five will be invited to exhibit at dsm-firmenich’s Swiss headquarters in June 2026. The Grand Prize winner receives a €15,000 grant, a year-long mentorship with the company’s creative teams, and an opportunity to collaborate further. Applications open 25 November 2025 and close 1 March 2026.

 Eligibility & Focus:

• Artists aged 35 or younger at submission deadline.

• Working in any medium or nationality.

• Your proposal should integrate sustainable practices and multi-sensory innovation (fragrance elements encouraged).

Key Dates & Award:

• Open call: 25 Nov 2025 → 1 Mar 2026

• Finalists announced April 2026; winner announced June 2026.

• Grand Prize: €15,000 grant + exhibition + mentorship.

Selection Process & Jury

A Selection Committee of art and industry leaders shortlists ten finalists. An International Jury of curators, artists, and dsm-firmenich experts selects the Grand Prize winner.

 Selection Committee

• Touria El Glaoui – Founder & Director, 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair (London)

• Stijn Huijts – Director, Bonnefantenmuseum (Maastricht)

• Laurence Semichon – CEO, Diptyque & President, Diptyque Foundation (Paris)

• Prateek & Priyanka Raja – Founders, Experimenter (Kolkata)

• Raphael Fonseca – Curator, Denver Art Museum (Denver)

International Jury

• Stefanie Hessler – Director, Swiss Institute (New York)

• Christopher K. Ho – Multidisciplinary Artist, Curator, & Writer (Hong Kong)

• Sissel Tolaas – Scent Artist and Researcher (Berlin)

• JaeMyung Noh – Art Collector & Founder, Art OnO (Seoul)

• Fatoş Üstek – Independent Curator & Writer (London)