The Art of Progress Prize celebrates emerging artists working at the intersection of creativity, sustainability, and sensory innovation. Open to practitioners aged 35 and under, the prize supports bold proposals that explore new ways of engaging the senses, including installation, digital work, mixed media, bio-art, scent-based projects, performance, sound, video, or other experimental practices. A Selection Committee of museum professionals, curators, gallerists, and industry leaders reviews all submissions and shortlists ten finalists. Up to five artists are then invited to develop and present their work in a dedicated exhibition hosted at dsm-firmenich’s headquarters in Switzerland. An International Jury composed of curators, artists, and specialists in fragrance and innovation selects the Grand Prize winner. The winning artist receives a 15,000 euro award and a year-long mentorship with dsm-firmenich’s creative and innovation teams, offering unique access to expertise across fragrance, sensory science, and sustainable research. The prize is designed to champion early-career voices and to support artistic practices that engage with the challenges and possibilities of the future.
