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Revitalize spaces. Connecting people. Strengthening the creative industries.

Applications open for the 2026 State Prize for Bavarian Creative Places

15.01.2026

Your location is more than just a space - it is a meeting place, a place to work and a platform for ideas. This is where people come together, develop projects and create networks. Places like these promote collaboration, innovation and sustainable structures in the Bavarian cultural and creative industries.

The application phase for the State Prize for Bavarian Creative Venues 2026 will start on January 15, 2026. We are looking for places in the city, state or district that open up economic prospects, strengthen local development and have a lasting impact on the creative scene in Bavaria.

More about the State Prize for Bavarian Creative Locations

Zwei Ansichten stehen nebeneinander. In der linken Hälfte steht ein schwarzer Bürostuhl vor einer Backsteinwand mit dem Logo "Staatspreis für bayerische Kreativorte". Leitungsrohre verlaufen von links in die rechte Ansicht, die eine Betonwand mit der Typo "Kreativort" zeigt.
iStock©Navamin keawmorakot,

The price

The State Prize honors the most important creative locations in Bavaria and awards three prizes with a total of 60,000 euros in prize money.
In addition, a special prize for municipal commitment (not endowed) is awarded.
The prize has an impact far beyond its own borders and recognizes the important role of creative locations for the entire cultural and creative industries in Bavaria.

Application conditions compact

Eligible to participate are locations that:
- are located in Bavaria
- have infrastructure for creative work
- enable cooperation between several submarkets of the cultural and creative industries
- are a source of inspiration for local creative businesses
- contribute to the revitalization of town centers, districts or rural areas
-are generally open to the public (membership possible if open to all interested parties)
- can be permanent or temporary/mobile, provided they are part of a structured concept

Anyone who runs the venue can apply, as can third-party applicants, provided the operators confirm their application. The award is always given to the creative location itself.

To the application conditions

Submit application

Application period

🗓 January 15 to March 31, 2026
We look forward to receiving your applications!

Das Bild zeigt eine glatte Betonfläche, auf der in großen, kräftigen pinken Buchstaben das Wort „KREATIVORT“ steht. Links lehnen zwei Besen an einer Wand, die Borsten berühren den Boden. Oben links ist das Logo der Auszeichnung „Staatspreis für bayerische Kreativorte“ zu sehen, bestehend aus einem stilisierten „K“ in Pink und dem Schriftzug daneben. Der Bildaufbau vermittelt den Eindruck eines vorbereiteten oder aufgeräumten Raumes, der mit Kreativität in Verbindung gebracht wird.
iStock©Sasha Ostapiuk,

Background

The State Prize for Bavarian Creative Locations is awarded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy. The prize is organized by the Creative Industries Innovation Network of Bayern Innovativ GmbH.
The aim is to make places in the cultural and creative industries visible, to recognize their impact and to promote Bavaria's creative strength in the long term.