Open Call for Nominations - Maker Behind the Maker Award 2025

Kunstinstituut Melly invites visual artists to nominate a behind-the-scenes collaborator for the Maker Behind the Maker Award, part of The MELLYs, a new awards celebration honoring the often-unseen contributors to the art world. From technicians to editors, fabricators to interpreters, this award recognises those whose craft and dedication are vital to bringing artworks to life.

Visual artists with an experience of more than five years of creating artworks and projects are invited to nominate one or more individuals for this award. Nominations can only be made for a craftsperson living in The Netherlands. To submit a nomination, artists are asked to complete a short form, including a brief statement explaining why or how the nominee played a key role in the realisation of one or more artworks or projects.

Thanks to the continued support of the Mondriaan Fund and Stichting Stokroos, the prize money has been increased to €25,000. This significant contribution reflects our shared commitment to recognizing those whose devotion uplifts the art ecosystem. Nominations will be reviewed and winners selected by an independent three-member jury, which will convene in August 2025 at Kunstinstituut Melly.

The open call is now live, with nominations accepted until Tuesday 1 July 2025, 23:59 CET.

Submit your nomination and help spotlight the makers who make it possible.