The nominees for the Gijs Bakker, Rene Smeets and Melkweg Awards 2024
GIJS BAKKER AWARD
The Gijs Bakker Award will go to a Master student whose thesis research and design project demonstrate outstanding skill and imagination, tenacity and originality, personality, and relevance to the profession and the outside world. These criteria reflect the foundations of the DAE Master programme that was initiated by Dutch designer Gijs Bakker. All Master design departments nominate two final exam projects within their own department for the Gijs Bakker Award.
NOMINEES GIJS BAKKER AWARD 2024
Canvas Wan
Ella Wanendeya
Benze De Ream
Hanchen Zhang
Gioele Prette
Miriam Daxl
Daniel Holler
Daniel Elkayam
Niki Pielsticker
Doris Sisková
The Jury for the Gijs Bakker award is comprised of Flavia Dzodan, Tutor at Design Department and head of the research group on algorithmic cultures at Sandberg Instituut. Priya Swamy, Curator of Globalisation and South Asia at the National Museum of World Cultures. Amanda Pinath, Design Curator Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam & PhD candidate. Tim Vermeulen, director Stichting NDSM-werf Amsterdam. Gabrielle Kennedy, design journalist, editor-in-chief at DAMN Magazine, and head of Journalism and the Mind research group at Sandberg Instituut.
“This year the jury greatly appreciated the designers’ tangible efforts and dedication to their
work and were extremely happy to see such high-quality, compelling presentations.”
- The jury of the Gijs Bakker Award
RENÉ SMEETS AWARD
(named after the founder of DAE in 1947)
Presented to a Bachelor graduate with a high level of empathy that demonstrates a potential big impact on and in collaboration with society. The student shows professionalism in both its systematic approach of analysis and its new insights for innovative solutions to current societal challenges.
The shortlist is made up of graduates nominated by the committee of examiners and is announced following the final exams at the end of the academic year in June. The winner is announced during the DAE Graduation Show at Dutch Design Week in October.
Each winner will receive a sum of € 2,000 and a trophy by Olga Flor in collaboration with EE Labels. They may also be offered mentorship, guidance or support from specific institutions connected to the René Smeets Foundation or DAE.
NOMINEES RENÉ SMEETS AWARD 2024
Lilou Angelrath - Reiltin O’Hagan
Lee Ehrat - Valentin Klauss
Lara van der Poel
Dora Heller Russell
Kiki Astner
Nelly Kleijer
The Jury for the Rene Smeets Award is comprised of José Maase, Head of design at Royal Mosa Evelien Reich, Former editor in chief at ELLE Decoration, design connector and fervent supporter of emerging talents. Martijn Paulen, Director of the Dutch Design Foundation. Pien Rademakers, Founder of Rademakers Gallery. Angelique Spaniks, Director at the MU Hybrid Art House.
“The jury was deeply impressed by the extensive range of possibilities showcased by all the nominees. They were particularly struck by the humility evident in the approaches taken, alongside
the novelty of the subject matters explored. Each nominee demonstrated a high degree of sensitivity and societal empathy, with a clear focus on creating solutions that can be applicable and
impactful on a feasible scale. Furthermore, the jury was captivated by the exceptional quality of materialisation presented, noting the sophistication of the final outcomes. The works not only
reflected a profound understanding of the issues at hand but also exhibited a commitment to excellence in execution, enhancing the overall impact and resonance of the projects.”
- The jury of the René Smeets and Melkweg Award
MELKWEG AWARD
Presented to a truly unique talent among DAE’s Bachelor graduates. This autonomous student demonstrates its original and radical viewing a provocative presentation.
The shortlist is made up of graduates nominated by the committee of examiners and is announced following the final exams at the end of the academic year in June. The winner is announced during the DAE Graduation Show at Dutch Design Week in October.
Each winner will receive a sum of € 2,000 and a trophy by Olga Flor in collaboration with EE Labels.
NOMINEES MELKWEG AWARD 2024
Mai Staehr Roedtness
Katharina Ammann
Luana Soto Aguerrevere
Celeste Muir
Laura Viltoft Overgaard
Jarno Van Renswoude
Matti Paffen
Solveig Weimar - Antonia Schreiber
The Jury for the Melkweg Award is also comprised of José Maase, Head of design at Royal Mosa
Evelien Reich, Former editor in chief at ELLE Decoration, design connector and fervent supporter of emerging talents. Martijn Paulen, Director of the Dutch Design Foundation. Pien Rademakers, Founder of Rademakers Gallery. Angelique Spaniks, Director at the MU Hybrid Art House.
“The jury was captivated by the diverse range of subject matters addressed by this years nominees. They observed an exceptional balance among the various modalities of creation, reflecting a commendable integration of distinct artistic and conceptual approaches. Furthermore, they were profoundly impressed by the high quality of materialisation, noting the meticulous craftsmanship and innovative techniques employed by the nominees. This combination of diverse subject exploration and originality in execution underscores the remarkable talent and dedication evident in this years nominations.”
- The jury of the René Smeets and Melkweg Award
