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The State Prize for Bavarian Creative Spaces honors places that offer cultural and creative professionals space for exchange, innovation and collaborative work. With this award, the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy recognizes creative spaces that contribute to strengthening the cultural and creative industries in Bavaria. In addition to the three main prizes, a special prize is awarded for community involvement. An independent jury evaluates the applications based on criteria such as innovative strength, charisma and networking potential.
Revitalize spaces. Connecting people. Strengthening the creative industries.
Applications open for the 3rd State Prize for Bavarian Creative Places 2026!
Your location is more than just a space - it is a meeting place, platform and incubator for ideas. From January 15, 2026, places in Bavaria that promote collaboration, strengthen local development and have a lasting impact on the creative scene can apply.
Prize:
Three awards totaling €60,000 (twice as much as the last two awards) plus a special prize for community involvement (not endowed).
Application period:
🗓 January 15 to March 31, 2026
Make your creative location visible and show how culture and business are growing together in Bavaria! We look forward to receiving your applications!
More about the state prize for Bavarian creative locations
The jury
A high-caliber jury evaluated the submitted applications based on criteria such as the regional appeal and stimulating function of the locations. The jury members included:
- Astrid Köppel - regional and organizational developer, facilitator
- Marion Grether - Museum Director, Deutsches Museum Nuremberg
- Marcel Geißler - Creative venue operator, Artistic Director & CEO DDC Entertainment GmbH
- Susanne Hermanski - Author, Team Leader Culture & SZ Extra, Süddeutsche Zeitung
- Julia Mang-Bohn - Architect and owner of Bohn Architekten
Award-winning creative locations of the 2023/2024 award round
- Kunsthalle Neuburg, an interdisciplinary space for art and culture.
- Z-Bau Nürnberg, a lively cultural center with a strong community focus.
- Bergfried Kultur, a formerly empty monastery that has been given a new lease of life through art and culture.
- Degginger Regensburg, a central meeting place for art, culture, business and science.
"These creative locations are living examples of the enormous potential of the cultural and creative industries in Bavaria."
State Secretary Tobias Gotthardt, State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy
