Yuanyuan Zhou wins Current Current Award 2026

Personal stories transformed into work with universal resonance. According to the jury, this was the common thread running through the nominated graduation projects for the Current Current Award 2026. During the opening of ArtEZ finals, the award was presented to Yuanyuan Zhou, a graduate of the BEAR Fine Art Bachelor's programme at ArtEZ Academy of Art & Design Arnhem.

Nominees

Alongside winner Yuanyuan Zhou, this year's nominees for the Current Current Award 2026 were Nina Zeleznik (Fashion Design), Woobok Lee (Graphic Design), Naomi Ramakers (Creative Writing), Suzanne de Jong (Fine Art & Design in Education), Mare de Boer (Design Art Technology) and Jasmin Menda (Product Design).

Work that resonates and connects

According to the jury, this year's nominated works were characterised by a personal and urgent approach. Themes such as loss, memory, identity and the processing of trauma emerged in different ways throughout the nominated projects. From sculptural garments and poetry to installations, ceramics and performance, each work invited reflection and sparked engaging discussions among the jury.

The jury noted that the challenge lay not only in telling a personal story, but above all in making that story resonate with others. At the same time, a high level of artistic and technical craftsmanship played an important role in the jury's assessment.

Winner: Yuanyuan Zhou

The jury found this combination in the work of Yuanyuan Zhou. Through a total installation in which every detail has been carefully considered, she transforms a deeply personal story into an experience that inspires both wonder and emotion.

The jury report states:

"The winner of the Current Current Award 2026 tells a harrowing story yet transforms it into a total installation in which every detail inspires wonder. As a jury, we are deeply impressed by the craftsmanship and the extraordinary promise this young artist holds."

Current Current Award

The Current Current Award is presented annually to a promising graduate of ArtEZ Academy of Art & Design Arnhem. Each Bachelor's programme nominates one graduate who stands out for their artistic quality, craftsmanship and future potential. The award supports emerging artists and designers in the transition from the academy to their professional practice, giving them the opportunity to further develop their artistic ambitions.

The name refers both to current affairs and to the forward momentum the award aims to encourage. Curious to see where last year's winners are now? Read the stories of Sofie de Vroom and Isaac van den Aker to discover the next steps they have taken in their careers.