Iris Bouwmeester wins Stipendium!

Each year, the KLEIO Foundation in Breda awards the Stipendium 01 to an artist who is making a distinctive contribution to the city’s cultural life. The Stipendium, consisting of a cash prize and an artwork, has been awarded annually since 2022. This year, artist Iris Bouwmeester takes over from Bo Stokkermans, last year’s recipient. On 12 September 2025, Bouwmeester will receive the Stipendium during the opening of her exhibition A Spell for Creation at Stedelijk Museum Breda. The award includes a €5,000 cash prize and a sculpture by Breda-based sculptor Felix van Breugel.

A familiar face

Living and working in Breda, Iris is a familiar presence in the local art scene. Her involvement began during her studies at St. Joost, where she later also taught for many years. With her intuitive approach and use of simple materials, she consistently finds ways to surprise. In A Spell for Creation, for the first time, not only her finished works but also her creative process take center stage. In recognition of her artistic contribution and her role in Breda’s art community, Stedelijk Museum Breda nominated her for Stipendium 01, which the KLEIO Foundation is pleased to award.

About the KLEIO Foundation

KLEIO manages the fund established from the sale of the building that housed the artist initiative Lokaal 01 from 1981 to 2013. For over 32 years, Lokaal 01 presented the work of hundreds of artists, often at the very start of their artistic careers.