TILBURG, UDEN – Dutch sculptor Tommy van der Loo, who has Curaçaoan roots, will receive the 2026 Culture Prize from the Cultuurfonds Noord-Brabant. The jury praised the Tilburg-based artist for the narrative strength of his sculptures and the social themes he explores through his work.
According to jury chair Maarten Hartveldt, Van der Loo’s sculptures speak for themselves and leave a lasting impression. “The works of Tommy van der Loo are so convincing that they need no explanation. They radiate a universal power that resonates with everyone,” he said.
The €10,000 prize will be presented in November 2026 by King’s Commissioner Ina Adema, who also serves as chair of the Cultuurfonds Noord-Brabant. The award ceremony will coincide with the opening of a presentation of Van der Loo’s work at Museum Krona in Uden.
Van der Loo graduated in 2011 from the Academy for Visual Education at Fontys University of Applied Sciences in Tilburg. In 2015, he obtained a degree in Art History from Radboud University in Nijmegen. He uses the academic knowledge gained there to deepen and contextualize his artistic practice.
Since then, Van der Loo has created dozens of sculptures exhibited in museums, public spaces and private collections. His works are characterized by a wooden base to which he adds materials such as artificial moss, wax, cotton balls, skewers and spices, creating a tactile tension in each piece.
Through his art, Van der Loo seeks to offer new perspectives on sensitive chapters of history. While his Curaçaoan heritage informs part of his outlook, his interests extend beyond colonial history alone. His sculptures invite viewers to reflect on questions of identity, responsibility and judgment: How do I relate to others? Can we judge past actions with today’s knowledge? And what would I have done in similar circumstances?
The Cultuurfonds Noord-Brabant annually awards the Culture Prize to individuals or organizations for exceptional achievements in culture and nature within the province. Previous recipients include trumpeter Eric Vloeimans, actor and director Frank Lammers, choreographer Pia Meuthen, visual artist René Daniëls, saxophonist Paul van Kemenade, cartoonist Gummbah, dance company De Stilte, landscape architect Frank Meijer and theatre director Madeleine Matzer.