Droom Dit wins the Cultuurfonds Pop Stipendium

The band Droom Dit, formed by students from the Academy of Pop Music bachelor programme at the ArtEZ Academy of Music in Enschede, has won the Cultuurfonds Pop Stipendium 2026.

Droom Dit, photo: Ben Houdijk

The prize is worth € 10,000 and was awarded during Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS). With this stipendium, the band gets time and space to develop further, to experiment, and to grow as artists.

Two years ago, Droom Dit was already named ‘the sensation of ESNS 2024’. That they are now back on this stage shows how much they have grown. The jury described Droom Dit as:

‘An act with courage and a clear vision, with a unique sound and a strong view of the future.’

— Jury statement Pop Stipendium

The ArtEZ Academy of Music is proud of Sam, Amber, Seth, Joshua, Kees and Roos. Together, they show what is possible when talent, curiosity and perseverance come together.

The music of Droom Dit is a mix of poetry, electronic music and pop. Their songs are poetic and sharp, but also danceable. The band is inspired by artists such as Spinvis, Radiohead and Wende, which results in an intense and engaging live experience.

The lyrics deal with themes like sex, violence, love and everyday life. Combined with the strong energy of front person Sam de Laat, this creates an act that touches the audience and makes people think.

According to Rob Kramer, director of the ArtEZ Academy of Music in Enschede, the Pop Stipendium is an important step for the band.

‘The Cultuurfonds Pop Stipendium for Droom Dit is a great achievement. With earlier winners such as Mula B and S10, Droom Dit is now part of a strong group of artists with a clear identity and great live power. It shows what can happen when talent, courage and craftsmanship come together. As an academy, we are proud that this band has developed within ArtEZ and is now taking the next step on a national level. This success shows how important it is to give space for experimentation and for makers who dare to tell their own story.’

The prize fits not only the band, but also the vision of ArtEZ: giving young makers the space to find their own path.