The DEN Award
The DEN Award is presented every two years. In 2025, it will go to the digital project that establishes a ‘groundbreaking collaboration’ and is therefore ‘pioneering’ for the cultural sector. The award honors projects that use digital innovation to:
- reach new audiences,
- encourage collaboration within and outside the sector,
- and challenge the cultural sector to think differently.
The DEN Award recognizes completed digital projects in the cultural sector. The focus is on fundamental development: in technology, process, content, and the method of collaboration. The jury looked for innovative collaborations that demonstrate how culture and technology can strengthen each other in a sustainable, accessible, and impactful way. The motivation must be intrinsic – there must be a clear reason to work digitally, and it must also provide added value for the audience, the organization, and the sector.
The Jury
The jury consists of three experts from the cultural and digital sectors:
- Abdelhadi Baaddi, co-founder of Innovation:LAB
- Angelique Spaninks, director of MU Hybrid Art House
- Maaike Verberk, director of DEN
The projects that make the most impression are those where technology serves the story, the content, and the societal relevance.
Notable Projects
The jury was very impressed with the nominees:
- All three demonstrate perseverance, vision, and adaptability.
- They are not purely technological projects but projects that originate from substantive value and relevance for the audience.
- The added value of the projects lies in the synergy between people, technology, and content.
- All projects prove that digital transformation is not a one-time action. It is an ongoing process of trial, error, adjustment, and improvement, guided by a clear digital strategy. The three nominees are consciously engaged in this.
These are the nominees
- Discover Drenthe – Drents Museum
- Unlocking Fashion Heritage – Modemuze
- Wondercast – Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra
Discover Drenthe – Drents Museum
With 'Discover Drenthe,' the Drents Museum collaborates with regional partners to create a digital experience that extends beyond the museum itself.
“The strength lies in the fact that this project continues to evolve, with attention to content, sustainability, and regional impact.” - DEN Award Jury Report
Unlocking Fashion Heritage – Modemuze
Modemuze brings fashion, heritage, and digital innovation together in a powerful and accessible platform. Through collaboration with (inter)national partners, a vibrant product full of stories emerges.
“The project bridges the gap between collection management and audience engagement. The result is an inspiring, accessible product with a wow factor.” - DEN Award Jury Report
Wondercast – Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra
With Wondercast, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra uses artificial intelligence to actively engage the audience in their concert experience. Visitors can prepare in their own creative way.
“AI is not used here as a gimmick but as a thoughtful tool to connect the audience with music in a new way. The application is developed from a shared vision where technology serves the artistic and educational mission.”
Vote for your favorite
The public decides who wins the DEN Award 2025. Cast your vote before June 13 at 1:00 PM via the voting form. (opens in new tab)
Announcement during the online DEN Conference
The winner will be announced on Friday, June 13 during the online DEN Conference 2025.
Tickets for the online DEN Conference (opens in new tab) are now available.
Did you know that there are also organization tickets that allow you to participate with 3 to 6 colleagues at a discount?
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