Rotterdam culture prizes go to Thys Boer and Unity in Diversity

ROTTERDAM, 8 September 2026 – Rotterdam night mayor Thys Boer has received the 2026 Rotterdam Culture Prize, while Unity in Diversity Rotterdam has been awarded the Doro Siepel Prize. Culture alderman Joan Nunnely presented the municipal awards on Tuesday 8 September during the opening of Rotterdam’s cultural season at Theater Zuidplein.

_{Image: Thys Boer wins the Rotterdam Culture Prize 2026, while Unity in Diversity Rotterdam receives the €10,000 Doro Siepel Prize. Photo: Laura Siliquini} 

Thys Boer receives Culture Prize

Thys Boer receives the Rotterdam Culture Prize for his contribution to the city’s night culture. As founder of Stichting N8W8 R’dam and in his role as night mayor, he has worked to bring artists, cultural organisations, nightlife businesses, residents and the municipality into conversation with each other.

His work has helped give Rotterdam’s night culture a more visible place in the city’s wider cultural landscape. The award comes with €5,000, which is intended to be spent on a cultural project within the winner’s field of work.

“Thys Boer has given Rotterdam’s night culture a clear voice and a permanent place in the city,” says culture alderman Joan Nunnely. “Unity in Diversity makes sure that creators and stories from different communities are seen and heard. Both broaden Rotterdam’s culture and bring together people who might otherwise never meet.”

Unity in Diversity wins Doro Siepel Prize

The Doro Siepel Prize goes to Unity in Diversity Rotterdam, the foundation established by Jeanthalou Haynes and Houcem Bellakoud. The organisation works to give artists, stories and talent from different Rotterdam communities greater visibility, often through cultural events.

Among its recent projects was the third edition of the African Food Festival, held in Museumpark this summer with food, music, art, fashion and discussions. During Rotterdam Art Week, the Unity in Diversity Art Collective also created a medina of artists’ studios at Fenix, where visitors could meet artists and see their work taking shape.

The Doro Siepel Prize is intended for a Rotterdam cultural organisation or individual that succeeds in reaching new audiences. It keeps alive the ideas of Doro Siepel, the former director of Theater Zuidplein.

Alderman Joan Nunnely called the winners of the Doro Siepel Prize, Unity in Diversity founders Jeanthalou Haynes and Houcem Bellakoud, earlier that day to share the news. Photo: Laura Siliquini

Rotterdam Culture Prize continues city tradition

The Rotterdam municipal executive awards the Culture Prize each year to someone who has made an exceptional contribution to culture in the city. The distinction was previously known as the Cultuurpenning, or Culture Medal.

Alongside the €5,000 project contribution, the winner receives a medal with a wearable pin. Boer received the award on stage at Theater Zuidplein during the opening of the new cultural season.

The recognition places Rotterdam’s nightlife firmly within the city’s cultural conversation, rather than treating the night as something separate from theatres, museums, festivals and other established cultural institutions.

Doro Siepel Prize includes €10,000

Unity in Diversity receives €10,000 with the Doro Siepel Prize, as well as a travelling trophy created by Rotterdam artist Tiwánee van der Horst.

The award focuses specifically on reaching audiences that may otherwise be less visible within established cultural institutions. Unity in Diversity’s programme combines art, food, music, fashion and community stories, while creating opportunities for emerging makers to meet new audiences across Rotterdam.

Nunnely describes both winners as organisations and individuals who widen participation in Rotterdam culture and create connections between different parts of the city.