ROTTERDAM, 13 May 2025 – Lara Sari has been named Rotterdam Creative Talent of the Year 2025. The award marks the opening of a week dedicated to showcasing the city’s creative sector.
Creative Talent Award 2025 goes to Lara Sari
The Creative Talent Award 2025 was presented during a final event at LantarenVenster on 12 May. The prize, initiated by the Municipality of Rotterdam and the organisers of Agency at Night, aims to highlight emerging creative professionals in the city. Lara Sari (23) received the title of Rotterdam Creative Talent of the Year following her presentation, which impressed both jury members and attendees.
The jury praised Sari for her distinctive creative style and clear artistic voice. In response to her win, she remarked: “I am extremely proud to receive this award. Rotterdam is full of diverse, young creative talent. Let’s not only show them but also offer real opportunities in the field.”
The final saw five candidates present their work to a full audience of jury members, agency heads and fellow creatives. According to Jeroen Wolfs, organiser of Agency at Night, “What struck us most was the energy and authenticity these young creators brought to the stage. That is exactly why we host events like the Creative Talent Award and Agency at Night — to spotlight talent and connect them with the industry.”
Rotterdam creatives prepare for Agency at Night
The announcement also marked the beginning of a week celebrating the city’s creative economy, with the second edition of Agency at Night scheduled for Friday, 16 May. During this event, 51 creative agencies across the city will open their doors to the public. The initiative offers a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s creative sector, from established firms such as DEPT, Fabrique, Somention and ARA, to newer names like iO, RedKiwi and Dapper.
This year's programme includes over 250 activities, ranging from talks and workshops to studio tours and interactive sessions. Participants can create their own itinerary, choosing the experiences most relevant to them.
“Yesterday I truly enjoyed seeing the talent on stage,” said Robert Tans, Head of Economic Affairs for the Municipality of Rotterdam. “It’s inspiring to witness how much creativity this city has to offer. I am very much looking forward to seeing that fully reflected on Friday during Agency at Night — an evening that will showcase the depth and energy of Rotterdam’s creative sector.”
