Organizer Information
The Fondation Bernard de Launoit was established to honor the legacy and vision of Bernard de Launoit, a prominent figure in the Belgian cultural landscape. The foundation operates with the core mission of supporting the "big dreams" of the new generation of creators. By acting as a springboard for talent, the organization focuses on four primary pillars: Music, Visual Arts, Cinema, and Mountain Adventure. Based in Belgium, the foundation is dedicated to identifying and funding projects that exhibit a high degree of excellence, originality, and a commitment to sharing artistic experiences with the public. It serves as a vital bridge between emerging talent and professional realization, ensuring that ambitious artistic visions have the financial and moral backing required to succeed.
Title & Description
2026 Bernard de Launoit Prize (Music & Visual Arts) This open call invites young artists to submit proposals for the 2026 edition of the Bernard de Launoit Prize. The purpose of this Award/Prize is to provide a significant Grant to projects that are bold, innovative, and ready for implementation. The foundation seeks projects that are not merely concepts but are destined to engage with an audience through "live" or tangible experiences. Whether the project involves a large-scale Installation, a new musical composition, or a series of Performance works, the theme centers on the "spirit of sharing" and "self-surpassing." Artists are encouraged to dream big, proposing projects that will mark a definitive milestone in their professional trajectory and contribute to the cultural vitality of the region.
Categories
The 2026 call is categorized under Multiple Disciplines, specifically:
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Visual Arts: Including Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Photography, Installation, Digital art, and Performance.
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Sound/Music: Open to all genres (Contemporary, Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, etc.) with a specific focus on projects that include a live performance or public presentation component.
Eligibility
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Age Limit: Open to Emerging Artists and professionals between 18 and 35 years old (as of December 31, 2025).
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Nationality/Residence: Applicants must be Belgian nationals or citizens of an EU country, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom who have been residing in Belgium for at least two years.
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Collectives: Artistic collectives and legal entities are eligible to apply, provided the project lead meets the age and residency requirements.
Program Benefits & Awards
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Financial Grant: An endowed Award/Prize (historically up to €25,000) intended to cover the Production Budget and implementation costs of the selected project.
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Professional Recognition: Winners are officially announced during a prestigious ceremony on March 23rd, providing significant PR and networking opportunities.
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Project Support: The foundation provides a platform for the project’s realization, often leading to further Exhibition or concert opportunities.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a comprehensive digital application file containing:
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Artistic CV: A detailed resume of the candidate(s).
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Motivation Letter: A cover letter explaining the personal significance of the project.
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Project Statement: A maximum 2-page document outlining the artistic intent and originality.
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Technical Plan: A detailed implementation schedule for a period of 12 to 24 months.
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Budget Plan: A provisional budget detailing how the prize funds will be utilized.
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Portfolio: Links to previous works, audio samples, or high-resolution images.
How to Apply?
Application files must be submitted by email to info@fondationbdl.com or by mail to: Fondation Bernard de Launoit, Avenue Albert 130, 1190 Brussels, Belgium.Key Dates
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Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
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Notification/Award Date: March 23, 2026 (The Official Award Ceremony).
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Project Duration: Projects must be completed within 12 to 24 months following the award.
Location
Brussels, Belgium
Additional Details
The selection committee emphasizes projects that demonstrate a clear "live" dimension. The foundation is particularly interested in how the artist intends to share their work with the community. It is highly recommended that candidates ensure their budget is realistic and that the project is significantly advanced in its planning phase before applying.