News Release
September 19, 2024
09:00
The Johannes Vermeer Prize 2024 has been awarded to illustrator and children’s book author Marit Törnqvist. The jury, chaired by Marise Voskens, unanimously nominated her for the award. Törnqvist is honoured for her exceptional artistic ability to convey universal emotions through both language and illustrations, connecting deeply with the reader’s experience.
The Dutch State Prize for the Arts, established by the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science (OCW), will be presented on Monday, November 4, 2024, at the Nieuwe Kerk in The Hague by Minister Eppo Bruins.
Universal Appeal
As an illustrator and writer, Marit Törnqvist is a master at evoking universal emotions through words and images.
“Marit’s work breathes a free and open way of thinking, social engagement, and a love for both the small and grand aspects of humanity. Seemingly simple, always recognizable and poignant, sometimes wistful, other times surreal, but always brilliant,” according to the jury.
Children’s and Youth Literature
This is the first time the Johannes Vermeer Prize has been awarded to an artist who primarily focuses on children and youth. Dutch children’s and youth literature has a strong national and international reputation. The books written and illustrated by Törnqvist have received prestigious awards and have been translated into many languages worldwide.
Exhibition
A presentation showcasing the work of the prize-winner will be on display in the exhibition window of the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science. This exhibition space is located directly next to the entrance of the ministry at Rijnstraat 50 in The Hague and is freely accessible to the public. The presentation on Marit Törnqvist’s work will be available from November 4, 2024, until the end of April 2025.
About the Prize
The Johannes Vermeer Prize is the Dutch state prize for the arts. The winner may use the accompanying €100,000 prize to fund a special project within their own field. The award is organized by the six national cultural funds and can be granted to artists working and/or residing in the Kingdom of the Netherlands from all artistic disciplines.
Previous recipients of the prize include Tania Kross, Arnon Grunberg, Natasja Kensmil, Rineke Dijkstra, Ivo van Hove, Janine Jansen, Iris van Herpen, Steve McQueen, Michel van der Aa, Irma Boom, Rem Koolhaas, Marlene Dumas, Erwin Olaf, Alex van Warmerdam, and Pierre Audi.
This year’s jury consists of Marise Voskens (chair), Ted Brandsen, Margot Dijkgraaf, Afaina de Jong, and Bas Kosters.
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