Final Award Ceremony Best of Graduates 2026
We are delighted to invite you to the Final Awards Ceremony of Best of Graduates 2026. Join us on Thursday, 27 August, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, as we celebrate the remarkable talents featured in this year’s exhibition.
The evening will include the announcement of the RM Photo Talent Award, the RM Residency Award at BRUTUS, the RM Public Choice Award, and the new Gattopardo Art Residence Award, all presented by Michael Huijser, Director of the Mondriaan Fund.
Practical Information
Final Awards Ceremony | Best of Graduates 2026
Date: Thursday, 27 August 2026
Time: 5:00–7:00 PM (award ceremony at 6 PM)
Location: Galerie Ron Mandos
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About the Awards
RM Photo Talent Award
This award highlights one outstanding photographer from the exhibition with a presentation in collaboration with Galerie Ron Mandos the following year. In 2025, Jip Schalkx won with her works 4ever &ver &ver and Cloud 9, which reflect on connection, isolation, and how young people relate to one another in a world shaped by visibility and digital life.
RM Residency Award at BRUTUS
This residency offers an artist the chance to create and experiment in Rotterdam’s BRUTUS space, a place where art can take bold new directions. In 2025, the award was won by Mats Mingus, who impressed with paintings and sculpture that reflect on shifting truths, power, and belief.
RM Public Choice Award
Determined by visitors’ votes, this award gives the winner a role in shaping the next year’s exhibition. In 2025 Đặng-Vũ Đặng received the Public Choice Award for Serving FACE, his ongoing self-portrait series reclaiming his image and honoring Vietnamese cuisine and family heritage, and went on to design the visual identity for Best of Graduates 2026.
Gattopardo Art Residence Award
New this year, one participating artist will receive the Gattopardo Art Residence Award, offering a fully funded six-week residence in the hills of Liguria, Italy.
