Everything you need to know about submissions, eligibility, categories and the finals event

No. Your work does not need to be recently created, as long as it meets the eligibility requirements. This means you must be between 18 and 35 years old, your work must be original, and you must live, work or study in Rotterdam, or have a clear connection to the city through your project or practice. You must also be available to attend the finals event on June 29, 2026, if selected as a nominee.

Digital Creative Talent Awards is a collective initiative created by organisations that believe in the future of digital creativity in Rotterdam. The initiative is powered by Gemeente Rotterdam, Agency at Night, iDIGO, LEVELS, UX Rotterdam, Willem de Kooning Academy and Grafisch Lyceum Rotterdam. Together, they create a platform to celebrate emerging talent, strengthen the creative community and help shape the next generation of digital makers.

Yes, applying to the Digital Creative Talent Award is completely free. This initiative is all about celebrating the digital creative sector together and creating a platform for emerging talent, without barriers to participation.

Yes. Your portfolio will only be reviewed by the relevant jury members for your category and will not be shared publicly as part of the application process. If you are selected as a finalist, we may like to showcase some of your work during the finals event, but this will always be discussed with you in advance and only shown with your approval.

The Digital Creative Talent Award finals take place on Monday, June 29, 2026, at LantarenVenster in Rotterdam. All selected nominees are invited to attend the finals event and receive two tickets to join the celebration. The evening brings together emerging talent, industry professionals, creatives and community leaders for a night of recognition, connection and digital culture. Expect award presentations, showcases, music, networking and the live announcement of the five category winners.

If your work spans multiple disciplines, choose the category that best reflects the core of your project or practice. Submissions can only be entered in one category, so make sure to select the one that feels like the strongest fit.

Each category is judged by an independent expert jury consisting of at least three industry professionals. Jury members are selected based on their expertise within the relevant discipline. You can find the full list of jury members on the website.

To apply, submit your portfolio through the application form and select the category that best matches your work. Applications are open now, with the submission deadline on June 12, 2026. A professional jury will review all submissions, nominees will be announced on June 19, and selected creators will be invited to attend the finals event on June 29, 2026. Nominees receive two tickets to attend the award show.

Each of the five category winners receives a €750 cash prize, industry recognition, visibility across Digital Creative Talent and partner channels, and the opportunity to connect with leading creators and professionals in their field.

You can apply if you are between 18 and 35 years old, your work is original, and you live, work or study in Rotterdam, or have a clear connection to the city through your project or creative practice. Applicants must also be available to attend the finals event on June 29, 2026, if selected as a nominee.

The Digital Creative Talent Award features five categories: Digital Creation, Interactive & Games, Urban Culture, Experience Design, and Digital Art & Experimental. These categories celebrate a wide range of creative disciplines, from web design and UX to gaming, generative art, music, fashion and community-driven culture.

Digital Creative Talent Awards is an initiative by the Digital Creative Talent collective: Gemeente Rotterdam, Agency at Night, iDIGO, LEVELS, UX Rotterdam, Willem de Kooning Academy and Grafisch Lyceum Rotterdam. Together, we celebrate the digital creative sector by creating a platform for emerging talent. Across five award categories, from design and gaming to digital art and urban culture, the Digital Creative Talent Award recognises creators shaping the future of digital creativity.