The Prix Pirenne is the new Cultural Prize
This award recognizes innovative projects that engage a special audience. The Prix Pirenne supports artists in realizing their new plans in Amsterdam-Noord
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Prix Pirenne will be Generously Rewarded
The winner will serve as the artistic director of the exhibition space PEXPO in Oud Noord for three weeks.
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Louis Pirenne
Louis Pirenne (born in Den Bosch, 1955) retired in 2023 but remains actively engaged as a cultural advisor and leader in various cultural organizations. He is involved in the Crossing Border Festival in The Hague and the Oxville Cinema in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. Pirenne, trained as a theater scientist, has worked in the arts for 45 years. He has been involved in project implementation and played a significant role in arts and culture policy. Pirenne has extensive experience, having served as Head of Culture in the municipality of Haarlem, Director of Theater Netwerk Nederland, and programmer at the Festival aan de Werf in Utrecht. In 2009, Pirenne began working in Amsterdam Noord, where he established the district as a cultural catalyst, a title that still holds great significance for him. Thanks to Pirenne's efforts, culture has become an integral part of this now vibrant area of Amsterdam. To honor the founding father of Amsterdam-Noord's cultural policy, the Prix Pirenne was created by Pexpo. Pirenne considers this prize the most beautiful gift from his farewell celebration.
Farah Shretah


Serginho Stekkel
Banu kabady's
Eva Bollen is a dynamic individual. Kabadayi works as a district liaison in the Oude Pijp during the week. Unable to work in the office during the pandemic, she found herself at Kunstlicht Foundation in the Hamerkwartier and has since become the board's chair. Utilizing her creative and organizational talents within the foundation, Kabadayi aims to connect people and foster creative collaboration, generating even more innovative ideas. Despite her presence throughout the city, Kabadayi's heart lies in Amsterdam-Noord, a place she calls home where people color outside the lines, making shared living even more vibrant.


Freek Wallagh
Eva Bollen
A true Northern local and activist, Eva Bollen is the driving force behind Red Amsterdam-Noord. What started as a group of concerned residents has now evolved into a movement that is being heard, even at City Hall. Eva fights against gentrification and the division of Noord, the district that has been increasingly discovered by real estate developers, expats, and landlords. Red Amsterdam-Noord is now an official foundation advocating for the interests of ordinary residents under the motto: "We are already here, and we are not going anywhere. We will not be pushed out for people with more money."
Eva's focus is on the everyday resident of Noord and on the older neighborhoods, which certainly includes culture—this aspect must also involve the entire area of Noord.
