Trade News
November 25, 2025
dsm-firmenich launches The Art of Progress Prize
Kaiseraugst (Switzerland), Maastricht (Netherlands), November 25, 2025
dsm-firmenich, innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, today announces the launch of The Art of Progress Prize, a new global art award celebrating a new generation of visionary artists. Based on the idea that art has the power to shift perspectives, challenge assumptions and spark fresh ideas, this initiative aims to recognize bold, early-career artists whose work brings together innovation, sensory experience, and the theme of sustainability to inspire progress.
Open to emerging artists aged 35 and under, the Prize invites submissions that challenge conventions and bring progress to life through creativity. Participants are encouraged to explore the intersections of science, art, and sustainability, with particular emphasis on multisensory approaches and sustainable practices as key criteria.
Up to five finalists will be selected to exhibit their work at dsm-firmenich’s Kaiseraugst headquarters. One Grand Prize winner will receive €15,000, a year of mentorship and international visibility across dsm-firmenich’s global platforms.
The selection process consists of three stages:
- Nominations: Artists apply via the website of The Art of Progress Prize. A selection committee screens submissions and prepares a shortlist of 10 artists.
- Employee Vote: All dsm-firmenich employees are invited to vote among the finalists. These votes are combined into one collective jury vote.
- Final Jury: A panel of international experts makes the final decision, evaluating artistic merit, sustainability, sensory innovation, and feasibility for exhibition.
Selection Committee & International Jury
The Art of Progress Prize brings together a distinguished group of curators, artists, and cultural leaders whose expertise bridges art, science, and sensory innovation.
Selection Committee
- Touria El Glaoui – Founder & Director, 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair
- Stijn Huijts – Director, Bonnefantenmuseum
- Laurence Semichon – CEO, Diptyque & President, Diptyque Foundation
- Prateek & Priyanka Raja – Founders, Experimenter
- Raphael Fonseca – Curator, Denver Art Museum
International Jury
- Stefanie Hessler – Director, Swiss Institute
- Christopher K. Ho – Multidisciplinary Artist, Curator, & Writer
- Sissel Tolaas – Scent Artist and Researcher
- JaeMyung Noh – Art Collector & Founder, Art OnO
- Fatoş Üstek – Independent Curator & Writer
Applications must be submitted by March 1, 2026. The finalists will be announced in April 2026, and an award ceremony and exhibition will take place in June 2026 at our Kaiseraugst headquarters.
The Grand Prize winner’s mentorship will run from mid-2026 through 2027.
What kinds of artwork are eligible?
The Art of Progress Prize seeks fresh, unconventional, and forward-thinking ideas across all kinds of media. Works should demonstrate a clear engagement with sustainability and multisensory expression. Eligible formats include:
- Bio-art – using living materials like plants or cells
- Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality or generative works – created with digital tools, AI, or immersive technologies
- Social practice or participatory art – engaging communities or inviting public interaction
- Data-driven storytelling – transforming information (e.g., climate data) into compelling experiences
- Scent-based or multi-sensory installations
To learn more or apply, click here.
Download news here.
About dsm-firmenich
As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world’s growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for people and the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss company with dual headquarters in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland and Maastricht, Netherlands, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €12 billion. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 30,000 employees, we bring progress to life every day, everywhere, for billions of people. www.dsm-firmenich.com
For more information
dsm-firmenich media enquiries:
media@dsm-firmenich.com
Forward-looking statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to dsm-firmenich’s future performance and position. Such statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of dsm-firmenich and information currently available to the company. dsm-firmenich cautions readers that such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and therefore it should be understood that many factors can cause actual performance, transaction progress and positions to differ materially from these statements. dsm-firmenich has no obligation to update the statements contained in this press release, unless required by law. This communication contains information that qualifies as inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The English language version of this press release prevails over other language versions.